The Belgian sleep diagnostics company, Sunrise, recently made waves by announcing its entry into the U.S. market with the strategic acquisition of Dreem Health, a California-based sleep clinic. Founded in 2015, Sunrise has raised over $35 million from notable investors such as Amazon’s Alexa Fund and VIVES Partners, a testament to its innovative approach to sleep care. The company aims to revolutionize the patient journey for individuals experiencing sleep disorders, a mission that has become increasingly critical given the severe shortage of sleep doctors in the U.S.—one doctor for every 45,000 people. Sunrise’s CEO, Laurent Martinot, emphasized the importance of accurate diagnosis and accessible treatment for sleep conditions, drawing on his own understanding of sleep disorders influenced by his father’s expertise as a sleep specialist.
Expanding Access to Sleep Care Through Telehealth
The acquisition of Dreem Health signifies a major step forward for Sunrise, allowing the company to introduce telehealth services aimed at simplifying sleep diagnostics and treatment for U.S. patients. In a fast-paced society where convenience is paramount, the integration of telehealth services enables patients to obtain a sleep test prescription either from their own doctor or through Sunrise’s care team following an online survey and virtual consultation. The process is designed to be seamless, allowing patients to use Sunrise’s advanced sleep sensors to monitor their sleep patterns. After the data is collected, a sleep specialist collaborates closely with the patient to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and care plan.
These services are already available in states such as California, Iowa, Maryland, and Washington, with ambitious plans to expand nationwide in the coming year. The acquisition also grants Sunrise access to Dreem Health’s network of insurance payers, which includes notable partnerships with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Medicare, and UnitedHealthcare. By capitalizing on these established relationships, Sunrise is poised to offer a wide range of treatment options such as oral appliances, positive airway pressure therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive personalized, effective care tailored to their specific needs.
Revolutionizing Patient Experience and Competitive Landscape
Laurent Martinot emphasized that both Sunrise and Dreem Health aim to improve the patient experience for those needing sleep care. By integrating Dreem Health, Sunrise can now offer a comprehensive care model that significantly enhances accessibility to sleep medicine. Patients can undergo screening, diagnosis, and treatment from their own homes, often within a few days, addressing major barriers for those in remote locations or with busy schedules that hinder traditional consultations.
As Sunrise enters the competitive U.S. sleep care market, it sees BetterNight and Ognomy as primary competitors. However, Martinot believes Sunrise’s strong foundation in science and research sets it apart. The company has collaborated with top sleep medicine experts in both Europe and the U.S. to create advanced technologies, showcased in numerous scientific journals. These partnerships demonstrate Sunrise’s dedication to improving the understanding and treatment of sleep apnea and other disorders. Overall, Sunrise’s U.S. expansion and acquisition of Dreem Health aim to provide holistic, accessible sleep care, leveraging scientific research and strategic partnerships for better patient outcomes.
