With the release of watchOS 11 a few hours ago, Apple has launched the sleep apnea detection function on compatible Apple Watches and in almost all markets where the company operates, including Spain. From now on, the expected, This innovative tool has a positive impact on early detection The emergence of a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide continues to expand the potential of the Apple Watch as a device that cares about the health of its users.

This functionality is not currently supported in a few countries, such as Australia and Canada, pending regulatory approval.

How does sleep apnea detection work on Apple Watch?

Sleep apnea is a common disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, affecting millions of people. These interruptions occur due to blockage or narrowing of the upper airways, which reduces airflow and results in decreased oxygen levels in the blood.

These interruptions can last for several seconds or even minutes and are often accompanied by loud snoring, hot flashes, and sudden awakenings, but these may go unnoticed by the affected person. Sleep apnea not only affects the quality of sleep, but can also have serious long-term health consequences.such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and excessive daytime sleepiness.

Apple Watch uses its accelerometer to monitor wrist movements during sleep and detect abnormal breathing patterns. If these patterns are repeated frequently, the device warns the user and recommends consulting a doctor. This function, developed in collaboration with health experts and validated by clinical studies, provides an accessible and accurate early detection tool.

More importantly, Apple Watch’s sleep apnea detection feature is designed to detect moderate to severe cases of sleep apnea in adults. It is not a substitute for a formal medical diagnosis and should not be used as the sole criterion for making treatment decisions.But it represents a crucial first step for people to identify potential health problems and seek medical care in a timely manner.

Which Apple Watch models detect sleep apnea

This new health feature is available on select models. Although it will be available with Apple Watch Series 10, it will also be available on previous models running watchOS 11:

• Apple Watch Series 10
• Apple Watch Series 9
• Apple Watch Ultra 2

The fact that this feature is available in more than 150 countries is a testament to Apple’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of its users. By making this technology available to millions of people, Apple is helping to democratize access to disease diagnosis and prevention tools.

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