Apple's Sleep Apnea Detection Feature Gets FDA Clearance

Accordingly, the new sleep apnea detection feature developed by technology giant Apple is available to users of Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 via a software update.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that occurs when the muscles in the upper airway relax excessively during sleep, leading to airway obstruction and repeated pauses in breathing during the night, disrupting deep sleep and affecting overall health.

According to the American Medical Association, the condition affects more than 30 million people in the United States, but only about 6 million are diagnosed. If left untreated, sleep apnea can cause fatigue and lead to more serious health problems such as heart problems, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.

What do experts say about this new Apple feature?

“We’re excited about the incredible impact this feature could have on the millions of people living with undiagnosed sleep apnea,” said Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, in a video announcing the feature.

Apple's sleep apnea detection feature marks the company's latest effort to position its wearable as a cheaper, simpler alternative to many existing health care devices and tests.

In the United States, to be tested for sleep apnea, patients typically undergo at-home testing or lab testing, where they are monitored overnight. Prices vary depending on insurance coverage, but according to a 2022 study in the Journal of Public Health and Primary Care, the average cost of lab testing is $3,000.

At-home tests are often less expensive, but they can still cost hundreds of dollars. For example, Sleep Doctor’s at-home sleep apnea test costs $189. Meanwhile, Apple’s latest watch, the Series 10, starts at $399.

Apple’s new sleep apnea detection feature is a game-changer for diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. With the ability to monitor sleep at home, the Apple Watch will help millions of people, especially those who are reluctant to go to the hospital, to easily detect early signs of apnea.

“This is good news for both patients and doctors,” said Dr. David Kuhlmann, a sleep specialist with nearly 20 years of experience. “Early detection will help us intervene promptly, significantly improving the patient’s quality of life.”

Kuhlmann said the feature could be particularly useful for patients who sleep alone, and he thinks many people would be surprised to learn they have signs of sleep apnea. However, Kuhlmann said users should approach Apple’s sleep apnea data with caution, as the results may not be accurate.

According to Dr. Kuhlmann, this feature can encourage people to be more proactive in monitoring their sleep health. Early detection of sleep apnea will help increase the number of patients coming for timely examination and treatment, thereby preventing dangerous complications and reducing the burden on the health system.

How does this feature work?

Apple's sleep apnea detection feature works by analyzing a new metric called "disordered breathing." This metric reflects irregularities in breathing patterns during sleep, determined by measuring small movements at the wrist using an accelerometer.

Each month, Apple analyzes the data and notifies users if it detects any abnormalities. Users can review historical data over different time periods and compare it to normal thresholds to get a better overview of their health.

To aid in diagnosis and treatment, Apple allows users to export a detailed sleep report that not only provides data on breathing disorders but also includes additional information, giving doctors a comprehensive view of the patient's health status.

Apple claims that its sleep apnea detection algorithm has been validated in a large clinical study. It is built on a huge dataset of actual sleep apnea test results, ensuring high accuracy.

With an 18-hour battery life, the Apple Watch Series 10 requires users to charge the device at least once a day. Although an improvement over previous generations, this battery life is still not enough to meet the needs of those who use the watch continuously for long periods of time. To optimize battery life, users need to adjust some settings and limit the use of energy-consuming features.