Apple Watch Revolutionizes Sleep Health with FDA-Approved Sleep Apnea Detection

By: Bhumika

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Updated on: 18-Sep-2024

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Apple has officially received FDA approval for a new sleep apnea detection feature in its Apple Watch, aimed at helping users monitor their sleep and identify breathing issues. This feature will be available on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, following the latest watchOS 11 update.

Sleep apnea is a common but often undiagnosed condition where a person’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to serious health risks, including hypertension and heart disease. Apple estimates that over one billion people globally suffer from sleep apnea, many of whom are unaware of their condition.

The Apple Watch’s sleep apnea feature utilizes its built-in accelerometer to track wrist movements during sleep, which can indicate irregular breathing patterns. Using advanced machine learning algorithms developed from clinical sleep studies, the watch analyzes this data to determine if users are experiencing moderate to severe sleep apnea. If significant breathing disturbances are detected, users will receive notifications on their watch, encouraging them to consult a healthcare professional.

Additionally, the Health app on the iPhone will generate a PDF report of the sleep data that users can share with their doctors. The app allows users to monitor their breathing disturbances over time, providing insights into their sleep quality.

This launch comes shortly after Apple also received FDA approval for a hearing aid feature in the AirPods Pro 2. The sleep apnea detection feature is expected to roll out in over 150 countries, including major markets like the U.S., EU, and Japan, empowering users to take charge of their health through advanced technology.

Important Fact: Apple isn't the first to include sleep apnea detection in smartwatches; earlier this year, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch also gained FDA approval for a similar feature, highlighting the competition in health tech.