The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Apple's sleep apnea detection feature for use in its Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2, marking a significant step in consumer health technology. The feature is now available through a software update.
Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, affects over 30 million people in the U.S., with only about 6 million diagnosed, according to the American Medical Association. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to fatigue, heart problems, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes.
How the Feature Works
The Apple Watch's sleep apnea detection feature analyzes "breathing disturbances" using an accelerometer to measure wrist movements indicative of disrupted breathing patterns. The watch classifies nightly metrics as "elevated" or "not elevated" and notifies users monthly if they show consistent signs of moderate or severe sleep apnea. Users can view their data over one-month, six-month, or one-year periods.
The Apple Watch Series 10 has an 18-hour battery life, requiring users to charge it during the day to utilize the sleep apnea detection feature during the night. The system generates a report with three months of breathing disturbance data for users to share with their doctors, alongside educational materials within the Health app. Apple states the notification algorithm was developed using extensive clinical-grade sleep apnea tests and validated in a clinical study.
Expert Perspectives
Dr. David Kuhlmann, a sleep disorder specialist and board member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, believes the feature could be a "game changer" for patients hesitant to seek testing, particularly those who sleep alone. He cautions that readings could be erroneous and emphasizes the need for a formal diagnosis from healthcare providers before initiating treatments like CPAP machines. An in-lab sleep apnea test costs around $3,000, according to a 2022 study in the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health.
Dr. Sumbul Desai, vice president of health at Apple, expressed excitement about the feature's potential impact on millions living with undiagnosed sleep apnea.
Potential Impact on Healthcare
Kuhlmann anticipates the Apple Watch feature will increase visits to healthcare providers, potentially reducing overall healthcare costs by enabling earlier detection and treatment of sleep apnea, thus preventing more serious health conditions. By identifying and treating underlying sleep disorders, patients may avoid expenses associated with treating more severe conditions later on, improving their quality of life.
