Apple Watch can now help identify signs of moderate to severe sleep apnoea after it received a medical device licence from the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.
The feature, part of the latest watchOS update, uses the onboard accelerometer to track small movements at the wrist that are associated with interruptions in normal breathing patterns.
This is measured by new Apple Watch metric called Breathing Disturbances.
From this data the device can understand the level of restfulness of sleep over several nights which may be consistent with sleep apnoea.
Sleep apnoea is a condition where breathing stops repeatedly throughout the night.
It is estimated to effect more than a million Australians.
If left untreated or undiagnosed, sleep apnoea can have a negative impact on your health including increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and other cardiac issues.
“Obstructive sleep apnoea is a common and serious sleep disorder, potentially impacting a million Australians,” says Dr. Moira Junge, CEO of the Sleep Health Foundation.
“As it often goes undiagnosed, awareness and early detection of sleep apnoea is a welcome and significant step towards healthier sleep, and improved lives.
“Good sleep is a pillar of health and well-being.”
Apple Watch users can view their nightly Breathing Disturbances in the Health app on their iPhone or iPad.
It will also tell them whether they are classified as elevated or not elevated and can be viewed over a one month, six months or one year period.
After 30 days the data is analysed before informing the user whether there are signs of moderate to severe sleep apnoea.
With this information they can speak to their doctor about how they can further diagnose and treat the issue.
The sleep apnoea detection feature is supported on Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Here’s what you’ll need
– An Apple Watch Series 9 or later or Apple Watch Ultra 2, with the latest version of watchOS.
– Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.
– Sleep must be set up with Track Sleep with Apple Watch turned on.
– You must wear your Apple Watch to sleep for a minimum of 10 nights over a 30-day period. Your data will be analysed every 30 days.
– Sleep apnoea notifications are intended for use by people 18 years old or older who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnoea.
Turn on sleep apnoea notifications
- On your iPhone, open the Health app.
- Tap Browse, then tap Respiratory.
- Under Sleep Apnoea Notifications, tap Set Up, then tap Next.
- Confirm your Date of Birth and if you’ve ever been diagnosed with sleep apnoea, then tap Continue.
- Tap Next, then tap Done.
View your sleep apnoea notifications or breathing disturbances
- On your iPhone, open the Health app.
- Tap Browse, then tap Respiratory.
- Tap either Sleep Apnoea Notifications or Breathing Disturbances.
You can view your breathing disturbances for the past month, six months or year.
If you receive a notification, you can also share a detailed report with your healthcare provider. To share a PDF, scroll down and tap Export PDF.
Things you should know
– The Sleep Apnoea Notifications Feature is not intended to diagnose, treat or aid in the management of sleep apnoea.
– Not all people with sleep apnoea will receive a notification.
– If you believe you have sleep apnoea, talk to your doctor.
