Can an Apple Watch detect sleep apnea?

Author: Dr. Amy Gibson  |  Last update: Friday, July 25, 2025

You can wear Apple Watch to bed and track breathing disturbances while you're sleeping (on supported models), which can be used in an algorithm to detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea. Each day you're given an elevated or not elevated assessment for your breathing disturbances for the night before.

How accurate is the Apple Watch at detecting sleep apnea?

Researchers then compared how well the watch performed to the measures taken during the sleep study. In general, Apple's testing found that the watch picked up on any degree of sleep apnea about 66% of the time.

Which smartwatch can detect sleep apnea?

The Galaxy Watch 7 competes with Apple introducing their own sleep apnea detection functionality. Using the Samsung health monitor app, the Galaxy watch tracks sleep over a 10-day period to determine patterns of sleep apnea.

Is the Apple Watch FDA approved for sleep apnea?

The FDA has approved Apple's sleep apnea detection feature. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes a person's breathing to repeatedly stop and start throughout the night. The feature is designed for the Apple Watch, and it works by analyzing a new metric that the company calls "breathing disturbances."

Can I use my Apple Watch to see if I have sleep apnea?

The Apple Watch's Breathing Disturbances feature monitors your respiratory patterns to determine if your breathing is “elevated” or “not elevated.” Consistent “elevated” breathing is a key indicator for sleep apnea.

How Apple Watch Sleep Apnea Detection Works

What respiratory rate indicates sleep apnea?

Severe obstructive sleep apnea means that your AHI is greater than 30. You have more than 30 episodes per hour. Moderate obstructive sleep apnea means that your AHI is between 15 and 30.

Which Apple Watch models have sleep apnea?

Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 now offer a feature to help identify signs of sleep apnea.

What is the best app to detect sleep apnea?

Here are five of the best sleep apnea apps to help you keep track of what's happening while you sleep.
  • Sleep Cycle. Primarily billed as a gentle alarm clock, Sleep Cycle tracks your sleep to determine the best time to wake you. ...
  • SleepTracker 24/7. ...
  • Sleep Genius: Revive Cycle Alarm, Nap, Relaxation. ...
  • SnoreLab. ...
  • DreamMapper.

Can sleep apnea be cured?

In some cases, sleep apnea can resolve if you return to a healthy weight, but it can recur if you regain the weight. Exercise. Regular exercise can help ease the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea even without weight loss. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as a brisk walk, most days of the week.

Can an Apple Watch record snoring?

Do you know how often you snore? Or how loud it is when you do? With SleepWatch Snore Tracking, all SleepWatch users are able to record, listen to, and track their snoring from their Apple Watch or iPhone. You can now listen to your top snores and track where your snoring ranks on a scale from minimal to heavy.

How can I monitor myself for sleep apnea?

At-home sleep apnea testing is an easy, cost-effective way to figure out whether you're having trouble breathing. A home sleep apnea test is a very simplified breathing monitor that tracks your breathing, oxygen levels, and breathing effort while worn.

Is there a smart device for sleep apnea?

The ApneaLink Air is capable of recording up to five channels of information to assist with your diagnosis: respiratory effort, pulse, oxygen saturation, nasal flow and snoring.

How to treat sleep apnea without CPAP?

Can't Get Used To A CPAP? Here Are 6 Alternative Options For Sleep Apnea
  1. Oral appliances. ...
  2. Positional therapy. ...
  3. Physical therapy. ...
  4. Soft tissue surgery or oral-maxillofacial surgery. ...
  5. Weight loss. ...
  6. Inspire nerve stimulator.

Does snoring mean sleep apnea?

Snoring, snorting or gasping: Noisy sleep is a warning sign that your upper airway might be obstructed. Not all snorers have apnea, but the two often go hand-in-hand. As snoring gets louder, chances of having sleep apnea are greater and greater.

How much REM sleep do you need?

REM sleep is characterized by relaxed muscles, quick eye movement, irregular breathing, elevated heart rate, and increased brain activity. Most adults need about two hours of REM sleep each night. REM sleep plays a role in memory consolidation, emotional processing, brain development, and dreaming.

How do you confirm sleep apnea?

A diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is based on the results of the polysomnogram and the presence or absence of certain symptoms. A polysomnogram records how many apneas, hypopneas, or respiratory effort-related arousals (RERA) occur per hour while a person is asleep.

Can a sleep cycle detect sleep apnea?

While sleep apps can provide valuable insights into your sleep patterns, they do have limitations. One of the main limitations is that they cannot provide a definitive diagnosis of sleep apnea.

How accurate is sleep apnea on an Apple Watch?

The weighted overall sensitivity was 66.3% (95% CI, 62.2-70.3) and the weighted overall specificity was 98.5% (95% CI, 98.0-99.0). According to the FDA, Apple's Sleep Apnea Notification Feature is not intended to diagnose, treat, or aid in the management of sleep apnea.

Can Apple Watch stop sleep apnea?

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.

What can an Apple Watch detect?

  • Fall detection. When a hard fall is detected with Apple Watch Series 4 or later, an alert appears and allows the user to easily call emergency services or dismiss the alert. ...
  • Medical ID. ...
  • Medications. ...
  • Cycle Tracking. ...
  • Facilitate richer conversations. ...
  • Designed with security and privacy in mind.

What can be mistaken for sleep apnea?

Breathing / Medical Disorders That May Be Mistaken for Sleep...
  • Asthma. Asthma can cause shortness of breath that can be mistaken for sleep apnea when symptoms occur at night. ...
  • Thyroid Disorders. Thyroid disorders, like sleep apnea, can greatly affect a person's sleep quality. ...
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. ...
  • Sinusitis. ...
  • Lupus.

Why do I wake up after 4 hours on my CPAP machine?

Your CPAP Pressure Needs Adjusting

If the setting is too high, you may struggle to exhale and find yourself waking in the middle of the night. If the setting is too low, you might continue to have frequent breathing gaps and wake up in the morning feeling tired. Finding the right setting can take trial and error.

Is the Apple Watch respiratory rate accurate?

In general, Apple's testing found that the watch picked up on any degree of sleep apnea about 66% of the time. It was more accurate at detecting severe bad sleep apnea, correctly alerting users about 89% of the time. It correctly alerted users to moderate breathing problems about 43% of the time.

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