When did you last get a really good sleep?

It’s a question many Filipinos might shrug off, unaware that poor sleep could be a sign of something far more serious, an obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Despite its prevalence, OSA remains largely underdiagnosed in the Philippines, leaving many unaware of the risks it poses to their health and quality of life.

“More Filipinos have sleep apnea today,” shared Dr. Jimmy Chang, Vice President of the Philippine Society of Sleep Medicine (PSSM), during a roundtable discussion held on 10 December 2024 at Club Filipino, San Juan City. Organized by Quality Sleep Philippines (QSPH), the event aimed to raise awareness of OSA, a chronic condition characterized by repeated upper airway collapse during sleep.

While local data on OSA remains limited, Dr. Chang highlighted the overwhelming demand for sleep testing in Metro Manila. “All sleep centers in the metro have at least three months of waiting time,” he said, underscoring the urgency of addressing the condition.

OSA’s impact extends beyond sleep. According to Dr. Frederic Cheng, Chair of the Philippine Heart Association Hypertension Council, “Patients with sleep-disordered breathing or OSA are at high risk of developing hypertension, heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks.” He stressed that undiagnosed OSA significantly contributes to increased morbidity, mortality, and a diminished quality of life.

To tackle this growing health crisis, QSPH introduced WatchPAT One, a cutting-edge home sleep apnea test (HSAT) device. This user-friendly technology features three sensors: a wrist sensor, a pulse oximeter, and a chest sensor that collect vital data for diagnosing OSA and central sleep apnea (CSA).

Unlike traditional polysomnography conducted in clinics, WatchPAT One offers a more accessible, cost-effective, and convenient alternative. Patients can conduct the test at home, with results sent to a doctor via a smartphone app, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment.

Recognizing the need for comprehensive solutions, QSPH partnered with MyHealth Clinic, a multi-specialty facility, to launch a holistic “Sleep Program.” This initiative provides accessible screening, diagnosis, and treatment options for sleep disorders.

“We are raising national awareness of sleep apnea and encouraging undiagnosed patients to seek treatment,” said QSPH Managing Director Charles Cheung. The collaboration reinforces their mission to integrate innovative therapies into patient care while elevating the standards of treatment for OSA.

Despite these advancements, many Filipinos remain unaware of the risks associated with poor sleep. QSPH’s campaign, in collaboration with medical experts and organizations, emphasizes the importance of early detection and management.

Dr. Sherry Gallardo, Officer-in-Charge of MyHealth Clinic, affirmed, “We believe every Filipino deserves quality patient care. By embracing a holistic approach, we aim to address not just individual symptoms but the full spectrum of factors influencing health and well-being.”

As OSA cases rise in the country, initiatives like these bring hope for better sleep and healthier lives for Filipinos. When did you last get a real good sleep? Perhaps it’s time to take a closer look and it might just save your life.