It's Official

Sleep Disorders Added
to Pennsylvania Calendar

Sleep Disorders have officially been added to the Pennsylvania state calendar.

State Rep. Dennis M. O'Brien (R-169), at the request of Awake In Philly Sleep Disorders Education and Support Group, proudly sponsored H.R. 82 on March 12, 2001, along with 66 co-sponsors.

The resolution designates March 26, 2001 as Pennsylvania Sleep Apnea Awareness Day and March 26 through April 1, 2001 as Pennsylvania Sleep Awareness Week.

Text of the resolution explains that untreated sleep apnea can lead to depression, high blood pressure, sexual dysfunction, as well as an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and automobile accidents. Sleepiness has also been identified as the cause of many on-the-job accidents.

Rep. O'Brien, in the resolution, recognized that statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reflect that 2,409 accidents and 22 fatal crashes occurred in Pennsylvania alone during 1998 that were attributable to drowsy drivers. 

Based on other PennDOT statistics, Rep. O'Brien also recognized in the resolution that the 1997 economic impact losses due to traffic accidents was $987 to every man, woman, and child in the state.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly, Awake In Philly, and other participants of Pennsylvania Sleep Apnea Awareness Day and Pennsylvania Sleep Awareness Week recognize that education is the foundation of civilized societies, and all are committed to educating businesses, government, and the public, creating an awareness of the severity of untreated and undiagnosed sleep disorders, including sleep apnea.

Education and awareness efforts are year-round activities, but concentrated efforts are made during this time. 

As of October 1, 2002 at 11:27:08 AM EDT (-0500), the U.S. population was 
288,181,442. With estimates that about five percent of the population suffers from

obstructive sleep apnea, that means there are potentially

14,409,072 apneics in the U.S.

As of October 1, 2002 at 11:27:08 AM EDT (-0500), the world population was 
6,253,616,576. With estimates that about five percent of the population suffers 
from obstructive sleep apnea, that means there are potentially

312,680,829 apneics in the world.

Awake In Philly is a support group for individuals who have been diagnosed with at least one of the recognized sleep disorders, as well as anyone else impacted by those with sleep disorders. The information on the Awake In Philly website is not intended to replace medical advice, nor is any information to be misinterpreted as an attempt to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 

If you have questions about any of the medical conditions mentioned on this website, especially if you suspect that you (or someone you know) has sleep apnea, please contact a qualified medical professional immediately. The information is intended to provide support, guidance, and encouragement to others contending with the many challenges of sleep disorders. The goals of Awake In Philly are to support, educate, and inform those who feel the impact of sleep disorders, as well as the general public. Medical advice should only come from qualified, licensed, and trained health-care professionals.