Apple's sleep apnea detection feature gets FDA approval

Accordingly, the new sleep apnea detection feature developed by tech giant Apple is available to Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 users 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 can 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, testing for sleep apnea typically involves at-home testing or lab testing, where patients 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 real breakthrough, promising to be a game-changer in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders. With the ability to monitor sleep in the home, the Apple Watch will help millions of people, especially those who are reluctant to go to the hospital, to easily detect the 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 be inaccurate.

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 "dysfunctional breathing," which 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 abnormalities are detected. 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 was 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 it has improved over previous generations, this battery life is still not enough to meet the needs of those who use the watch continuously for a long time. To optimize battery life, users need to adjust some settings and limit the use of energy-consuming features.