FDA Approves Apple Watch for Sleep Apnea Detection



From apps to wearable devices, we’re surrounded by tools designed to help us stay healthy. The latest is Apple Watch’s FDA-approved sleep apnea detection feature. Approved for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2, the feature is intended as an over-the-counter risk assessment tool. However, it’s not meant to be a replacement for professional diagnosis. The feature, called Breathing Disturbances, uses the watch’s accelerometer to detect small movements at the wrist associated with interruptions to normal respiratory patterns during sleep. Every 30 days, the Apple Watch analyzes Breathing Disturbances data and alerts users if a pattern of sleep interruptions is detected, encouraging them to seek medical advice. The feature can also assess sleep quality and is influenced by factors that include alcohol consumption, certain medications, and sleep position. However, Dr. Kevin Postol, President of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, warns that there’s the potential for false positives, cautioning that the watch’s data is not diagnostic-grade. On the other hand, he says, if sleep apnea is detected, this might motivate patients to take the initiative to see a physician and get a sleep study for a proper diagnosis.