Apple watch to introduce sleep apnea detection: A potential game changer for Indian users
PTC News Desk: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects over 936 million adults worldwide, according to the National Council on Aging. Alarmingly, a significant number of these cases remain undiagnosed, leading to delays in crucial interventions that could prevent serious long-term health complications.
In India alone, a 2023 study by AIIMS New Delhi reveals that approximately 11 percent of the adult population—around 104 million individuals—suffer from OSA. This staggering figure highlights the urgent need for effective detection and management of this condition.
Sleep apnea is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by intermittent interruptions in breathing during sleep due to a blocked airway. These breathing pauses can result in poor sleep quality and are associated with several serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.
Common symptoms include loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness. If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to severe complications, such as cardiovascular problems, depression, and stroke.
In response to this widespread issue, Apple is introducing a groundbreaking feature in the Apple Watch Series 10 that could significantly impact the way sleep apnea is detected and managed.
The new “Sleep Apnea Notifications” feature, unveiled during the launch of the Watch Series 10, is designed to monitor sleep patterns and alert users to potential signs of sleep apnea. This innovative addition builds upon the Apple Watch’s existing health tracking capabilities, such as heart rate monitoring and atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection.
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The Apple Watch Series 10 will use its accelerometer to monitor subtle wrist movements that indicate potential interruptions in normal breathing patterns, known as Breathing Disturbances. These disturbances, if frequent and persistent over several nights, may signal the presence of sleep apnea.
The data collected will be accessible through the Health app on the user’s iPhone, where it will be categorised as either elevated or not elevated. Users can review their data over periods of one month, six months, or a year and seek medical advice if necessary.
Apple is currently awaiting clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Sleep Apnea detection feature, which is expected to be approved “very soon.” Once authorized, this feature will be available on the Apple Watch Series 10 and the 2023 Series 9, which were launched in September. The sleep apnea notifications will be rolled out in over 150 countries, including the United States, European Union, and Japan.
This development represents a significant advancement in wearable health technology, providing millions, particularly in regions like India, with a valuable tool for early detection and management of sleep apnea.
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- With inputs from agencies
