The first national hypnosophy forum held last week reveals that nearly 40 percent of Chinese people suffer from some form of sleeping problem.

"More than 10 types of sleep problems are commonly seen," said Ye Jing-Ying, an expert from Beijing Tongren Hospital," of these Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome are the most widespread. Some people suffer from insomnia due to great pressure, nervousness or irregular working schedules. But obstructive sleep apnea syndrome - which is characterized by frequent episodes of obstructed breathing during sleep and loud snoring - is more harmful to people's health. I suggest that people who have these sleep disorders should see a doctor."

Now many big hospitals in Beijing have already opened sleep-disturbance outpatient services. But many people who have sleeping problems don't take them seriously, or simply don't see the right doctor. And, in his experience, Ye Jing-Ying says that males patients far outnumber females.

"Actually many females suffer from sleep apnea. But surveys done in different regions show that fewer females see a doctor for that as the symptoms they show are less intense than in males. But it actually doesn't mean they are any less ill than men," said Ye. 

To raise public awareness of the problem - especially amongst women - the theme of this year's World Day of Sleep in China is "Bringing Healthy Sleep into the Community." Many surveys into sleeping habits have been carried out and over the past weekend, and continuing today, medical personnel are on the streets and in communities to offer health information and advise people about the treatment of sleep disorders.

(CRI March 21, 2005)