Philips expands global awareness of the impact of sleep on health and well-being with the World Association of Sleep Medicine

Philips introduces a micro research fund with Snoring and Sleep Disorder Foundation to further the study of sleep diseases in Asia Philips calls on people to take the online self-assessment Sleep Quiz Photo Caption: Philips partnered with the Snoring and Sleep Disorder Foundation and the Sleep Society of Thailand to increase awareness of the sleep condition in Thailand as part of global World Sleep Day activities. Philips, a sponsor of World Sleep Day, were represented by Khun Viroj Vithayaveroj, General Manager of Philips Healthcare, Thailand (Right) while Naricha Chirakalwasan MD.,Attending Physician, Excellence Center for Sleep Disorders, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society represented the Snoring and Sleep Disorder Foundation (Right). Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) announced today a global partnership with the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM), as official sponsor of World Sleep Day 2012, being held across the globe on Friday March 16. This partnership illustrates Philips’ expanding efforts to increase awareness of how the quality of sleep impacts people’s overall health and wellbeing, on a daily basis. The theme for World Sleep Day this year is ‘Breathe Easily, Sleep Well’, to highlight the importance of identifying breathing-related sleep disorders to achieve quality sleep for people of all ages. Philips to Raise Public and Physician Awareness of OSA in Thailand In Asia, Philips will be introducing a micro research fund in partnership with local sleep societies – including Snoring and Sleep Disorder Foundation Thailand and the Sleep Society of Thailand – to encourage more clinical research on Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and provide scholarships for medical students and professionals who are studying sleep medicine. This first micro research fund focusing on sleep disorders will be available for the next three years till 2014, and will drive deeper local understanding of the link between OSA and co-morbidities, and the economic impact of accidents caused by OSA. Proposals to apply for this fund can be submitted to and will be evaluated by the Snoring and Sleep Disorder Foundation Thailand. Students who are interested in studying sleep medicine can also apply to the fund for scholarships. “Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a condition that has medical and economic consequences. It is associated with other medical co-morbidities like hypertension, heart rhythm abnormalities, ischemic heart disease and strokes. There needs to be greater awareness of this condition among Thailand, and we hope that this micro research fund will provide more insights into the severe effects of OSA – both on a person’s health and wellbeing, and on its impact on the economy,” said Khun Viroj Vithayaveroj, General Manager of Philips Healthcare, Thailand. Philips will also be conducting a General Practitioners (GP) Symposium in 2012, to increase physician awareness of OSA and how to spot and diagnose the disease. The public can also learn more about OSA, take an online sleep quiz to determine their risk of OSA, and identify local sleep laboratories, at www.areyousnoring.com – which is also available in Thai. “Philips is pleased to partner with the World Association of Sleep Medicine for World Sleep Day 2012 to build awareness and understanding around disorders that affect the quality of sleep, including obstructive sleep apnoea,” said Dr. David White, chief medical officer for Philips Home Healthcare Solutions and a professor of sleep medicine at Harvard Medical School. “Philips offers a wide range of sleep-related products and solutions, from diagnostic tools through to patient-centred sleep therapy devices, to enhance the quality of sleep and improve the health and well-being of our customers and patients around the world.” “The effects of sleep disorders should not be underestimated,” said Allan O’Bryan, executive director of WASM. “Most sleep disorders are treatable, yet far too many individuals do not seek professional help. Philips and WASM continue working to help those with sleep disordered breathing manage their conditions and lead healthier lives.” Obstructive Sleep Apnoea in Thailand While there are a number of potential causes for a disturbed night’s sleep, the most common of all sleep diseases is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) – which affects approximately 4% of the adult population globally. In Thailand, OSA is estimated to affect 11.4% of the adult population[1] – almost four times the global average. It is a disorder characterized by airway collapse (behind the tongue) during sleep, which obstructs breathing. If untreated, it can contribute to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Snoring should also not be ignored in children, as it may be a symptom of OSA. For further information, please contact: Naranart Phuangkanok PR Manager Tel: + 6681 847 1240 Email: [email protected] Tanyawan Surasarang Spark Communications Tel: 02-653 2717 E-mail: [email protected] [1] 11.4% of the adult population (Prevalence of sleep apnea in HRH Princess Maha Chakri Srinthorn Medical Center, Thailand, 2010) -NT- Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net

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