Rise in Sleeping Disorders Triggers High Demand for Sleep Service Facilities in Europe, Notes Frost & Sullivan

LONDON - At least 20 million Europeans suffer from chronic, long-term sleep disorders every year and an additional ten million experience occasional sleeping problems. As a result, sleep facilities have witnessed a rise in patient volume by ten per cent in the last twelve months and are expected to grow further at a rate of nearly 13 per cent in the next year. This increase will be supported by a rise in the number of sleep service providers across Europe.

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New analysis from Frost & Sullivan ( www.patientmonitoring.frost.com), Sleep Service Providers - A White Paper on the Scope and Opportunities in Europe, examines hospital and non hospital-based sleep service providers (physician-owned and operated laboratories). The study finds that annual medical expenditures on sleep related disorders are an estimated US$10.00 billion, while the indirect costs due to lower productivity and other factors are much greater. In the last six years, physicians have seen a number of patients consulting sleep experts across Europe.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides a brief synopsis of the research and a table of contents, then send an e-mail to Katja Feick, Corporate Communications, at katja.feick@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, a brochure will be sent to you by e-mail.

“A part of the boost in sleep facilities is due to the steady rise in childhood and adult obesity rates, which could be a contributing factor to obstructive sleep apnea,” says the Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Janani Narasimhan. “According to doctors, more awareness about treatment options through media dissemination along with referrals from friends and family members have also added to the increase in sleep facilities.”

Despite the climbing number of reported sleeping disorders, it is estimated that many of those affected remain undiagnosed. There is a lack of awareness about asymptomatic sleep disorders, resulting in diminishing rates of testing. Many develop cognitive deficits from chronic sleep debt after a few nights of reduced sleep quality or quantity. New evidence suggests more health-related consequences of sleep debt such as common viral illnesses, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, depression, and other age-related chronic disorders.

Insurance companies are putting pressure on industry participants to gain accreditation to ensure that studies and treatment provided to their members are of the highest possible standards. However, accreditation consumes time, money and effort.

“A sleep facility must be in business and demonstrate its viability across myriad business metrics such as the proof of having a sustainable referral base,” states Narasimhan. “It takes between one to five years to qualify and apply for accreditation, consequently restraining market growth.”

In Europe, some government and medical organisations initially distanced themselves from the pilot hospital-wide programmes, arguing that they would cost too much and undermine management or that they were irrelevant to clinical practice. However, gradually it became obvious that accreditation worked for hospitals.

Purchasers and insurers witnessed its potential for quality and resource management, and professional bodies recognised the links between clinical training, practice, and outcome with the healthcare environment. Communication and involvement between sleep service providers and third party payers is essential for market growth.

“Many smaller companies are bound by cost containment, often cutting-down on R&D,” concludes Narasimhan. “These smaller participants should generate more revenue by revamping their existing distribution and marketing strategies.”

Sleep Service Providers - A White Paper on the Scope and Opportunities in Europe is part of the Patient Monitoring Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets: European Remote Patient Monitoring Market, European Telemetry Equipment Market, and European Market for non-Invasive Blood Pressure Monitors. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

GIL 2009: Europe

Frost & Sullivan has expanded its flagship Global Congress on Corporate Growth - GIL Global - into several major cities around the world including London. For the first time ever in Europe, Frost & Sullivan will be hosting the Growth, Innovation and Leadership Congress ‘GIL 2009: Europe’ on 19-20 May, at the Sofitel St James in London. GIL Global is the industry’s only event designed to support senior executives in their efforts to achieve sustainable, top-line growth. To register, obtain a programme agenda, explore sponsorship opportunities, or attend as a member of the media for GIL 2009: Europe, please contact Katja Feick, Corporate Communications Europe, at katja.feick@frost.com. One-on-One interviews with Frost & Sullivan senior growth consultants are also being scheduled. For more information you can also visit www.frost.com/gilglobal

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Sleep Service Providers - A White Paper on the Scope and Opportunities in Europe M337 Contact: Katja Feick Corporate Communications - Europe P: +49-(0)-69-7703343 E: katja.feick@frost.com

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Source: Frost & Sullivan

Katja Feick, Corporate Communications - Europe, Frost & Sullivan, +49-(0)-69-7703343, katja.feick at frost.com. Photo: https://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081117/FSLOGO