How Apple’s sleep apnea detection works | Heise Online

Apple didn’t introduce any completely new sensors to its computer watches at this year’s keynote. But the Apple Watch Series 10 brings at least one new health feature: for the first time, it should be able to detect breathing pauses during sleep, so-called sleep apnea. What is known about it so far and how exactly does it work?

Advertisement

Millions affected, diagnosis rare

Sleep apnea occurs in millions of cases and unfortunately those affected rarely even realize it. Depending on the severity, short or long interruptions in breathing due to physiological factors occur with varying frequency. This is often only noticed because you “slept badly”. Poor oxygen saturation at night can have serious long-term consequences – from biological damage to an increased susceptibility to dementia and even heart attacks. Some sufferers even experience dangerous microsleeps during the day. Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure are also promoted.

Sleep apnea is usually only diagnosed correctly in a sleep laboratory, alternatively, continuous blood pressure or continuous ECG measurements, permanent recording of blood oxygen or recording of breathing and heart rate can also provide clues. Apple Watch should now work in a similar way. The feature is expected to come to 150 countries this year, including the entire European Union – Apple is currently in the process of obtaining the necessary approvals. The feature is supported not only by the Series 10, but commendably also by last year’s models, i.e. Series 9 and Ultra 2. WatchOS 11 must be installed for this. The feature is intended for people aged 18 and above who have not previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

More than repairable: Teufel presents an unusual loudspeaker

Detection through activity and in the long term

Apple calls this function “breathing disorders” – and detects them in a special way. In fact instead of using the blood oxygen meter available in current models, which is the subject of patent disputes in the United States, the company uses integrated motion or acceleration sensors. For the values ​​to be correct, the Apple Watch first records data for 30 seconds. The acceleration sensor must be able to detect small wrist movements “that are associated with interruptions in normal breathing patterns”, according to the manufacturer. “Apple Watch analyzes breathing disorder data every 30 days and notifies users when persistent symptoms of moderate to severe sleep apnea are detected.”

The computer clock does not recognize mild versions. The purpose of the detection is to inform users about sleep apnea at the right time. If the watch warns about this, a report is created that you can take with you to the doctor. However, the doctor then has to order a “real” diagnosis in a sleep laboratory. In the worst case, those affected need breathing assistance at night. CPAP Machines Fortunately, these are now offered in smaller versions as well.

(B.Sc.)