The Apple Watch Ultra 2, along with the Series 9 and Series 10, features a new sleep apnea detection capability that has gained FDA approval. This innovative function aims to help users identify signs of sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep.
How It Works
Detection Mechanism
- Accelerometer Utilization: The watch employs its accelerometer to monitor wrist movements during sleep. This data is used to assess a new metric referred to as "breathing disturbances," which indicates disruptions in normal breathing patterns[1][2][3].- Data Collection: The watch collects sleep tracking data over a period of 30 days, specifically analyzing data from at least ten nights. This allows the device to determine if the user exhibits consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea[8][9].
Notification System
- After analyzing the collected data, the Apple Watch will categorize nightly breathing disturbances as either "elevated" or "not elevated." Users receive daily assessments based on their sleep patterns[10].- If the watch detects frequent elevated disturbances over the monitoring period, it will notify the user of potential sleep apnea, providing them with a detailed report that can be shared with healthcare providers[1][2].
Machine Learning Algorithm
- The detection algorithm is developed using advanced machine learning techniques and validated through a large-scale clinical study focused on sleep apnea technology. This rigorous validation process ensures that the alerts generated by the watch are accurate and reliable[1][3][4].User Experience
- Users can view their nightly metrics and receive educational resources about sleep apnea through the Health app on their iPhone. This app allows for tracking over various periods (one month, six months, or one year) and provides comprehensive reports that include three months of breathing disturbance data[2][4].This feature represents a significant advancement in wearable health technology, making it easier for individuals to monitor their sleep health and potentially identify undiagnosed conditions.
Citations:[1] https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/09/apple-is-adding-a-sleep-apnea-detection-feature-to-the-apple-watch-series-10-9-and-ultra-2/
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/wearables/apple-watchs-sleep-apnea-detection-feature-gets-fda-approval-heres-how-it-will-work/articleshow/113402024.cms
[3] https://www.theverge.com/2024/9/9/24240045/apple-watch-sleep-apnea-detection-feature-series-9-10-ultra-2
[4] https://www.cnet.com/videos/how-apples-sleep-apnea-feature-works-on-apple-watch/
[5] https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/how-to-use-your-apple-watch-to-detect-sleep-apnea/
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN2MSmw8wCM
[7] https://www.tomsguide.com/wellness/smartwatches/sleep-apnea-detection-finally-comes-to-apple-watch-heres-how-to-set-it-up
[8] https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/watchos-11-brings-sleep-apnea-detection-to-apple-watch-series-9-ultra-2-124091700445_1.html
[9] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/09/apple-introduces-groundbreaking-health-features/
[10] https://support.apple.com/en-in/guide/watch/apd4e7713562/watchos