Philips 2008 Annual Report Download - page 20

Sleep well, live well
Recognizing the importance of a good night’s rest,
the 19th century philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson
wrote, “Health is the first muse, and sleep is the
condition to produce it.” Today’s medical science
proves him right.
Research in recent years has shown that those who
suffer from the sleep disorder Obstructive Sleep
Apnea (OSA) – characterized by the repeated
cessation of breathing during sleep – are at possible
increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease
and heart attack, stroke, diabetes as well as fatigue-
related motor vehicle and work accidents.
“I was depressed so I talked to my doctor”.
One woman's story
Denise, a 55 year-old former bank employee from
the United States, didn’t know anything about OSA,
but she did know that her heavy snoring drove her
husband of 35 years to sleep in the guest room. Loud
snoring may be a sign of sleep apnea, which can be
a life-threatening condition.
“I was depressed so I talked to my doctor,” she
explains. “He prescribed anti-depressants, which
didn’t help at all.” That’s when doctors suggested
an overnight sleep study. The results were startling.
“They told me I had stopped breathing 46 times
an hour while I was asleep!” This caused low blood
oxygen levels, which meant her heart had to work
harder, and Denise felt sleepy during the day.
Sleep therapy
That all changed when Denise began using Philips
Respironics’ continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP) therapy when she sleeps. The CPAP machine
and mask for her face increase air pressure in Denise’s
throat so that her airway does not collapse when
she breathes in.
Philips Respironics’ products are designed to be
simple to use and natural and easy to live with –
providing Denise with the essential treatment she
needs, and allowing her and her husband, Russ, a
restful night’s sleep.
Home Healthcare
It is estimated that in the United States alone there are
18-20 million sufferers of moderate or severe OSA,
of which only 15-20% have been diagnosed. Our
acquisition of Respironics is a significant step in
strengthening our Home Healthcare business, giving
us a leading position in the fast-growing areas of sleep
management, respiratory care and non-invasive ventilation .
$100
billion
economic impact
of sleep disorders
in the US
Left: Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Right: normal breathing
Philips Annual Report 200820
18
We care about...
8
Message from
the President
6
Performance highlights
14
Who we are
42
Our group performance