The sleep apnea detection feature, known as “Breathing Disturbances,” utilizes the built-in accelerometer of the Apple Watch to detect small movements at the wrist that are associated with interruptions in normal respiratory patterns during sleep. This method does not rely on blood oxygen sensors but instead focuses on the subtle movements indicative of breathing disturbances.
The Apple Watch collects data over a period of 30 days and then analyzes it to identify consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea. Users can view their nightly Breathing Disturbances in the Health app, where the data is classified as “Elevated” or “Not Elevated.” This data can be reviewed over various time periods, such as one month, six months, or one year.
If the analysis indicates consistent signs of sleep apnea, the Apple Watch will alert the user to contact their doctor. The notification includes details on the time period when potential sleep apnea occurred, educational materials on the importance of seeking treatment, and a PDF report providing three months of breathing disturbance data. This information can be shared with healthcare providers to facilitate further diagnosis and treatment.
