In a significant step towards proactive health monitoring, Apple is set to introduce sleep apnea detection on its latest Apple Watch models: Series 10, Ultra 2, and Series 9. While sleep apnea, a breathing disorder that disrupts sleep patterns,might intuitively seem to require a blood oxygen sensor, Apple’s approach leverages a different technology entirely: the built-in accelerometer.
So, how does it work?
Apple’s innovative solution, called “Breathing Disturbances”, employs the accelerometer to track minute movements at the wrist that correlate with interruptions in normal breathing during sleep. The Apple Watch diligently collects data over a period of 30 days. Once this data is amassed, it undergoes an analysis process, alerting users if consistent indicators of moderate to severe sleep apnea are identified.
Users can conveniently view their readings as either “Elevated” or “Not Elevated” under the Breathing Disturbances section of the Health app. This valuable data can also be shared with healthcare professionals to initiate discussions about potential diagnosis and treatment options for sleep apnea.
While the comprehensive sleep apnea detection algorithm necessitates 30 days of data collection, users can gain immediate insights into their nightly Breathing Disturbances within the Health app. This feature offers a general assessment of sleep quality, highlighting potential disruptions that might impact restfulness. It’s worth noting that factors such as alcohol consumption, medication use, and even sleep position can influence breathing patterns during the night.
Understanding the importance of sleep apnea detection
Sleep apnea is a prevalent yet often underdiagnosed condition, estimated to affect over a billion people globally. During sleep, breathing momentarily ceases, depriving the body of adequate oxygen and often leading to awakenings. Due to its occurrence during sleep, diagnosing sleep apnea can be challenging. Apple’s pioneering feature aims to bridge this gap by providing users with early indicators of potential issues.
Behind the scenes: Apple’s commitment to accuracy
Apple’s sleep apnea notification algorithm is built on the foundation of advanced machine learning and an extensive dataset of clinical-grade sleep apnea tests. Its effectiveness was further validated through a dedicated clinical study, which revealed that every participant flagged by the algorithm exhibited at least mild sleep apnea.
Looking ahead: Global availability and regulatory approval
Apple is actively seeking marketing authorization from the FDA and other international health authorities for its sleep apnea detection feature. Once approved, this groundbreaking functionality will be available in over 150 countries, potentially empowering millions of users to take proactive steps towards managing their sleep health.
