Apple continues to expand the health-monitoring capabilities of the Apple Watch, now introducing a breakthrough feature aimed at identifying sleep apnea.
Apple's new feature, "Breathing Disturbances," uses the watch's accelerometer to detect subtle movements linked to breathing irregularities during sleep, offering users valuable insights into their respiratory health while they rest.
This feature goes beyond traditional sleep tracking, analyzing breathing patterns over a 30-day period. If the data consistently shows signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea, users are notified and encouraged to consult with a healthcare provider.
The aim is to bridge the gap between technology and medical care, giving users a clearer understanding of their sleep health and enabling earlier interventions. The data is stored securely in the Health app, where users can review trends and share reports with their doctor to assist in diagnosis and treatment discussions.
Apple’s commitment to sleep health doesn't stop at apnea detection. The Apple Watch already tracks heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep duration to help users achieve their sleep goals.
The addition of Breathing Disturbances enhances these capabilities by considering how lifestyle factors like alcohol, medications, or sleep position affect sleep quality.
