What Is Sleep Apnoea? Apple and Kardena Smartwatches for Early Detection

What Is Sleep Apnoea? Apple and Kardena Smartwatches for Early Detection

Discover how smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 10 and Kardena CARE Pro 2 revolutionize sleep apnoea detection. Monitor your sleep health, detect irregularities, and take proactive steps to prevent serious health issues. Explore advanced features today!

Are Smartwatches Harmful to Your Health? Here's What You Need to Know Reading What Is Sleep Apnoea? Apple and Kardena Smartwatches for Early Detection 5 minutes

The latest generation of smartwatches is more than just a fashion accessory or fitness tool - they are becoming increasingly essential for health management, especially for conditions such as sleep apnoea. The new Apple Watch Series 10 has introduced sleep apnoea detection features that make it easier for users to monitor their sleep health and take proactive measures. In addition to the Apple Watch, Kardena offers a range of smartwatches, such as the Kardena CARE Pro 2 and CARE Vital , which also offer advanced sleep apnoea detection features.



What is sleep apnoea?

Sleep apnoea is a common but serious sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. Millions of people worldwide are affected, many of them unrecognised. The most common form is obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), in which the throat muscles relax intermittently and block the airways. This can cause loud snoring, choking or gasping and frequent awakenings, resulting in poor quality sleep. If left untreated, sleep apnoea can lead to serious health complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes and even depression.

Can Smartwatches detect sleep apnoea?

Early detection is crucial, and this is where smartwatches come into play. Devices such as the Apple Watch Series 10 and Kardena smartwatches are equipped with sensors that can monitor heart rate variability, blood oxygen levels and breathing patterns during sleep. If irregularities such as pauses in breathing or abnormal heart rates are detected, they can alert the user to seek medical advice. This early warning system is invaluable as many people with sleep apnoea are unaware of their condition until it has already affected their health.

How do smartwatches detect sleep apnoea?

Modern smartwatches use a combination of sensors and algorithms to detect possible signs of sleep apnoea.

Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 uses built-in sensors to monitor sleep patterns, heart rate and blood oxygen levels. It can recognise symptoms such as frequent waking and periods of low blood oxygen that could indicate disturbed breathing. The watch then prompts the user to see a doctor who can confirm the diagnosis with a sleep study or home sleep apnoea test.

Kardena Care Smartwatches

Kardena's smartwatches, such as the Kardena CARE Control, feature innovative technologies such as micro airbags and chest straps to monitor vital signs and breathing irregularities. These devices provide real-time data and insight into your sleep behaviour so you can take proactive measures to address any concerns. The accessibility and convenience of these wearables make them a practical tool for individuals who are at risk for sleep apnoea and may be hesitant to get tested.

Kardena® CARE Control inkl. Brustgurt - Eckig / Milanaise -

Kardena® CARE Control

The importance of early detection of sleep apnoea

Early detection of sleep apnoea can make a significant difference in preventing serious health problems. Untreated sleep apnoea can lead to a range of complications, from cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes to cognitive impairment and mood swings. By using smartwatches with sleep apnoea detection capabilities, users can gain valuable insights into their sleep health and seek medical intervention sooner. This proactive approach is crucial as nearly 80% of people with sleep apnoea go undetected.

What should you do if you suspect sleep apnoea?

If your smartwatch indicates possible signs of sleep apnoea, it's important to see a doctor. Although smartwatches provide valuable data, they are not diagnostic tools. A sleep study conducted at a sleep centre or via a home sleep apnoea test is required for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and CPAP therapy to surgery, depending on the severity of the condition. Timely action can help prevent the long-term consequences of untreated sleep apnoea.

Who is at risk of developing sleep apnoea?

Although sleep apnoea can affect anyone, certain groups are more at risk. These include people who:

  • Are overweight,
  • Have a large neck circumference,
  • Are male,
  • Are over 40 years old, or
  • Have a family history of sleep apnoea.

Other risk factors are:

  • Smoking,
  • Alcohol consumption,
  • High blood pressure,
  • Diabetes, or 
  • Other underlying medical conditions.
  • Recognising these at-risk groups and being vigilant about monitoring sleep health with smartwatches can be a crucial step towards early detection and treatment.

The future of health monitoring with smartwatches for sleep apnoea

Smartwatches are revolutionising the way we manage our health, especially for conditions like sleep apnoea. The Apple Watch Series 10 and Kardena's advanced models, such as the KardenaCARE Pro 2 and CARE Vital, offer innovative features that help users monitor their sleep health and detect potential problems early. Although these devices are not a substitute for professional medical care, they provide an invaluable first line of defence against sleep apnoea, empowering users to take control of their health and take timely medical action.