Samsung is upping its health tech game with a new sleep apnea detection feature in the latest beta version of its Health Monitor app. This cool addition aims to help users spot potential signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that’s more common than you might think.
Currently, this feature seems to be exclusive to Samsung watches running the One UI 6 Beta, which is based on Wear OS 5.0. To get in on this, you’ll need a compatible Samsung watch and a smartphone running at least Android 9. The good news for those with older watches is that the feature works with Galaxy Watch 4 or newer.
How to use the Sleep Apnea feature on Galaxy Watch
Using the sleep apnea detection is pretty straightforward. Users can enable it through the Samsung Health Monitor app on their watch or phone. The process requires wearing the timepiece snugly on the wrist during sleep for at least two nights, with each night consisting of a minimum of 4 hours of sleep.
During your slumber, your watch keeps an eye on relative decreases in your blood oxygen levels, which can be telltale signs of sleep apnea episodes. After two nights of measurement, the app gives you a result based on an estimated apnea hypopnea index (eAHI), focusing on signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Keep in mind, though, this isn’t a replacement for a doctor’s diagnosis. Think of it more as a heads-up that you might want to chat with a healthcare pro about your sleep health.
As this feature is currently in beta, users should expect potential updates and improvements as Samsung refines the technology based on user feedback and further testing. The company has not yet announced when this feature will be available in the public release of the app.
Final word and further updates
Sleep apnea is more than just a snoring issue; it can have serious health implications if left untreated. By integrating this screening capability into a device many people already use daily, Samsung is making preliminary sleep health assessments more accessible. However, it’s important to note that this feature is still in beta, and its effectiveness in real-world scenarios remains to be seen.
In other Samsung health-related news, the company is continuing to push the boundaries of digital health innovation. Samsung has announced an upgraded BioActive Sensor for their next Galaxy Watch, promising more comprehensive and accurate health data. This new sensor incorporates additional colors of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and improved photodiodes, allowing for more precise measurements of various health metrics like heart rate, sleep quality, and blood pressure.
The first interesting feature enabled by this new technology is the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) index, which provides insight into metabolic health and biological aging. This index aims to offer users a better picture of their health. It will be interesting to see what other functionality the new sensor brings in the months ahead.
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