MURRYSVILLE, Pa., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Philips Respironics applauds the efforts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to raise awareness about an important public health issue -- chronic sleep insufficiency. The CDC's release of the first-ever government study to monitor state-by-state differences in sleeplessness is a milestone in quantifying the size and scope of the problem.

As a long-time educator, industry leader and sleep therapy manufacturer, Philips Respironics supports government efforts to draw attention to chronic sleep insufficiency, which remains under-reported and under-treated despite being associated with numerous physical and mental health problems, injury and mortality. It is estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans chronically suffer from a disorder of sleep and wakefulness, hindering daily functioning and adversely affecting their health and longevity.

Sleep - along with diet and exercise - is the third leg of the stool of good health. Nothing would have greater impact in reducing the health and safety toll of chronic sleep deprivation than the CDC's recommendation that healthcare providers consider adding an assessment of chronic rest or sleep insufficiency to routine office visits

Philips Respironics is dedicated to helping diagnose and improve the quality of life for Americans who experience sleep disorders. In 1985 we were the first company to commercialize continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for treating Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition where a person's airway collapses repeatedly during sleep, preventing proper respiration and adequate rest. Today, CPAP therapy is the first-line of treatment for millions of OSA sufferers.

Sleep apnea is one of the world's most common sleep disorders, linked to a host of health problems including hypertension, insulin resistance, and increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. We look forward to working with the government to educate Americans about sleep, sleep disorders, and the consequences of sleep deprivation.

SOURCE Philips Healthcare