NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 2063
of ilje rtPi’P
23 A8R12 P2:l4
RECEIVED BV;
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A SLEEP DISORDER AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
PROGRAM
Sleep is for the weak. This mantra remains prominent which appears to be a 
bold and courageous move for one who is clinging to it. But for others, sleep is a 
luxury. While sleeping seems to be the easiest thing to do, some have trouble doing 
this - causing serious effects that are detrimental to mental and physical well-being.
Similar to eating and drinking, sleep is a basic human need that is crucial to our 
general health and well-being. However, sleep disorders constitute a global epidemic 
that endangers the health and standard of living of up to 45% of the world's 
population.
Sleep disorders refer to conditions that affect sleep quality, timing, or duration 
and affect a person's ability to function well. Some of the sleep disorders include 
insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea. Most sleep disorders 
can be treated and be prevented, yet, less than one-third of people suffering from the 
disorders seek professional help. In the Philippines, most are unaware that sleep 
disorders exist despite its serious and deleterious effects on one's health. Currently, 
the Department of Health has no data on sleep disorders in the country.
Thus, this bill seeks to mandate DOH to craft programs to improve the 
identification of patients who have sleep disorders, increase awareness of such 
disorders with the public, and train educators (such as teachers, nurses, social 
workers, coaches, counselors, and school administrators) on effective sleep disorder 
assistance methods and the prevention of this disorder. The DOH may also provide


free medical assistance and therapy to those who are suffering from it. This might be 
a straightforward aid to those who are experiencing it so that they can once more 
have a restful night's sleep.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
s. No. 2063
of ti;c jg'iTretaru
23 ABR12 P2:14
RHCEiVEDBV:
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A SLEEP DISORDER AWARENESS AND EDUCATION
PROGRAM
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Sleep Disorder
2 
A wareness and Education Act"
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect and
4 
promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.
5 
As such, the State shall promote awareness to sleep disorders, including insomnia,
6 
narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea; and provide educational and health
7 
programs that may help the public to be knowledgeable on these disorders, and to
8 
provide help to those who are experiencing it.
9 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall
10 
mean:
11 
i. "Insomnia"- is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty with falling asleep,
12 
staying asleep, or both.
13 
ii. "Narcolepsy" - a condition characterized by extreme sleepiness during the
14 
day and failing asleep suddenly during the day.
15 
iii. "Restless legs syndrome" (RLS) - a type of sleep movement disorder.
16 
Restless legs syndrome, also called Willis-Ekbon disease, causes an uncomfortable
17 
sensation and an urge to move the legs while you try to fall asleep.


1 
iv. "Sleep apnea"-is a sleep condition wherein the breathing stops and restart
2 
many times while fall asleep.
3 
V. "5/eep disorder" - refers to a condition which involves problems with the
4 
quality, timing, and amount of sleep, which result in daytime distress and impairment
5 
In functioning.
6 
Sec. 4. Innovative Assistance for the Identification of, Training on, and
1 
Educational Awareness of Sleep Disorder. The Department of Health (DOH) shall craft
8 
programs to improve the identification of patients with sleep disorders, increase
9 
awareness of such disorders with the public, and train educators (such as teachers,
10 
nurses, social workers, coaches, counselors, and school administrators) on effective
11 
sleep disorder assistance methods and the prevention of this disorder. The DOH may
12 
also provide free medical assistance and therapy to those who are suffering from it.
13 
Sec. 5. Public Service Announcements. - The Department of Education and the
14 
Commission on Higher Education, in consultation with the DOH, shall carry out a
15 
program to develop, distribute, and promote the broadcasting of public service
16 
announcements to improve public awareness, and to promote the identification and
17 
prevention of sleep disorders.
18 
Sec. 6. Sleep Disorder Research and Report. - Not later than 18 months after
19 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the DOH shall conduct a study on the impact of
20 
sleep disorder on educational advancement and achievement. The study shall:
21 
(a) determine the prevalence of sleep disorder among the population and the
22 
morbidity and mortality rates associated with sleep disorder;
23 
(b) report on current national and local programs to educate the public about
24 
the dangers of sleep disorder, as well as evaluate the value of such
25 
programs; and
26 
(c) make recommendations on measures that could be undertaken by the
27 
Congress, the Secretary of Education, and the Secretary of Health, to
28 
strengthen sleep disorder awareness programs.
29 
Sec. 7. Intervention of LGUs - Local Government Unit (LGUs) shall likewise
30 
provide policies in promoting the sleep disorder awareness programs and ensure the
31 
implementation of those.


1 
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or
2 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall
3 
remain valid and subsisting.
4 
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
5 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or
6 
inconsistent with, the provision of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended
7 
accordingly.
8 
Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following
9 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
10 
Approved,