Health
Apple Watch could help you uncover hidden sleep apnea
Do you often wake up feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep? You might be one of the millions of people unknowingly living with sleep apnea. But here’s some great news. Apple has just introduced a game-changing feature that could help you identify this hidden health issue right from your wrist.
If you own an Apple Watch Series 10, 9 or Ultra 2, you’ll soon have a personal sleep detective on your arm. This new feature uses the watch’s built-in technology to monitor your breathing patterns while you sleep, looking for signs that could indicate sleep apnea.
No more need for complicated sleep studies or expensive equipment; your everyday smartwatch could be the key to uncovering this common but often undiagnosed condition.
GET SECURITY ALERTS, EXPERT TIPS – SIGN UP FOR KURT’S NEWSLETTER – THE CYBERGUY REPORT HERE
Possible Sleep Apnea notification on Apple Watch (Apple)
How it works
The sleep apnea detection feature utilizes the watch’s built-in accelerometer to monitor a new metric called “breathing disturbances” during sleep. By analyzing these disturbances over time, the watch can identify patterns consistent with moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Possible Sleep Apnea notification on iPhone and Apple Watch (Apple)
APPLE TRANSFORMS AIRPODS PRO 2 INTO LOW-COST HEARING AIDS
FDA approval and availability
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for this sleep apnea feature, marking a significant milestone in wearable health technology. Apple plans to roll out the functionality to more than 150 countries and regions this month, including the United States, Europe and Japan.
The Sleep apnea feature is available in 150-plus countries and regions (Apple)
APPLE’S BOLD MOVE INTO AI: NEW IPHONE 16, AIRPODS AND WATCHES
User experience and data analysis
You can view your nightly breathing disturbance data in the Health app on your iPhone, where it will be categorized as either “elevated” or “not elevated.” The watch analyzes this data over a 30-day period and notifies users if it detects consistent signs of sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea data from Apple Watch showing “Not Elevated” (Apple)
IOS 18: DISCOVER THE NEW FEATURES IN APPLE’S LATEST OPERATING SYSTEM
Performance metrics
In clinical validation studies, the notification performance achieved a sensitivity of 66.3% and specificity of 98.5%. This means that while the algorithm is effective at identifying those with moderate to severe sleep apnea, it also minimizes false positives, ensuring that you can trust the notifications you receive.
HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET
Apple Watch Accelerometer Signals and Ground Truth Respiration Signals (Apple)
TOP SLEEP ACCESSORIES 2024
Potential impact
Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice president of health, emphasized the rigorous development process behind this feature. The detection algorithm was created using advanced machine learning with extensive datasets from clinical-grade sleep apnea tests. The studies included diverse participants across various demographics and evaluated both at-home and in-lab sleeping environments.
This new feature has the potential to significantly impact public health by helping identify undiagnosed cases of sleep apnea. Research suggests that up to 80% of sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed, making this tool invaluable for many people who may not exhibit obvious symptoms.
THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE APPS: YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
Setting up sleep apnea notifications
To use the new sleep apnea detection feature on your Apple Watch, follow these steps:
1. Update your devices
Ensure your Apple Watch is running the latest version of watchOS. Here are the steps:
- Tap on the Watch app icon on your iPhone’s home screen
- In the Watch app, tap on My Watch at the bottom of the screen
- Scroll down and tap on General
- Select Software Update. Your iPhone will check for available updates for your Apple Watch.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install. You may need to enter your iPhone passcode.
- Follow any additional prompts that appear on your screen.
- The update process may take some time, so be patient. Your Apple Watch will restart automatically once the update is complete.
- After your watch restarts, you can confirm that the update was successful by going back to the Watch app, tapping on My Watch and then selecting General and About to view the current version of watchOS.
Steps to update your Apple Watch (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version. Here are the steps:
- Tap on the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen
- Scroll down and select General
- Tap on Software Update. Your device will check for available updates.
- If an update is available, you’ll see a prompt with options to Download and Install. Tap this option
- If prompted, enter your passcode
- Read and agree to Apple’s terms and conditions, if required
- Once the download is complete, tap Install Now. Your iPhone will restart during this process.
Steps to update your iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
2. Set up sleep apnea notifications
- In the Health app, tap Browse
- Then click Sleep
- Under “Sleep Apnea Notifications,” tap Set Up
- Next, tap Next
Steps to set up sleep apnea notifications (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
- Then confirm that you are 18 or older by tapping the circle next to Yes or No
- Indicate whether you’ve been diagnosed with sleep apnea by tapping the circle next to Yes or No
- Then tap Continue
- After reading “How sleep apnea notifications work,” tap Next
- Finally, tap Done
Steps to set up sleep apnea notifications (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
3. Wear your watch to sleep
- Wear your Apple Watch to bed for at least 10 nights within a 30-day period
- Ensure your watch is charged to at least 30% before bedtime
- After the initial 30-day evaluation period, check the Health app for any notifications
- View your breathing disturbances data in the Respiratory section of the Health app
Remember, this feature is designed for users 18 years or older who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea. If you receive a notification suggesting signs of sleep apnea, it’s important to consult with your health care provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
SUBSCRIBE TO KURT’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR QUICK VIDEO TIPS ON HOW TO WORK ALL OF YOUR TECH DEVICES
Kurt’s key takeaways
It’s incredible how technology can empower us to take charge of our health, and the new sleep apnea detection feature on the Apple Watch 10, 9 and Ultra 2 is a perfect example. With this tool, you can monitor your breathing patterns while you sleep, potentially uncovering issues that have gone unnoticed for far too long. Just remember, while this feature is a fantastic step toward better health, it’s essential to consult with a health care provider if you receive a notification about possible sleep apnea. Embracing these advancements could lead to a more restful night and a healthier life.
How do you feel about using wearable technology like the Apple Watch for health monitoring? Are you excited about these advancements, or do you have concerns about privacy and accuracy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.
Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.
Follow Kurt on his social channels:
Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:
New from Kurt:
Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
After a season of bingeing and drinking, your body may feel like it needs a break from the party.
Dry January — a modern trend that challenges people to abstain from drinking for the first month of the year — has become a popular way to “detox” from the holidays and start the new year on a healthy note.
Research has linked alcohol to a variety of health conditions, ranging from hangovers to higher cancer risk.
5 POPULAR HANGOVER MYTHS THAT DON’T WORK AFTER HOLIDAY DRINKING, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS
In a recent podcast episode of “The Dr. Mark Hyman Show,” Dr. Mark Hyman, chief medical officer of Function Health, shared how 30 days of not drinking alcohol can transform health.
Hyman, who is based in Massachusetts, called Dry January a “powerful way to see in real time how alcohol affects nearly every system of your body and how quickly those systems can recover.”
Dry January has become a popular way to “detox” from the holidays and start the new year on a healthy note. (iStock)
Alcohol’s toll on the brain and body
Hyman acknowledged that most people drink to feel happier and more comfortable in social situations. This effect is caused by the main ingredient in alcohol, called ethanol, which can also have toxic effects.
Instead of stimulating the brain, alcohol slows it down and loosens inhibitions. “You feel more relaxed, more social, more confident, maybe you feel a little euphoric,” Hyman said.
Alcohol’s effect on the brain can also lead to poorer decisions and slower reflexes, the doctor cautioned.
Drinking alcohol can cause cognitive decline and brain fog, experts warn. (iStock)
Drinking also impacts the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which Hyman described as “the adult in the room,” responsible for judgment, planning and restraint. “It goes offline early in drinking, which explains why people feel freer or act impulsively when they drink,” he said.
Even moderate drinking can cause metabolic stress, inflammation, impaired detoxification and hormonal shifts, Hyman said, which can impact nearly every organ system in the body.
POPULAR WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS COULD TAKE THE EDGE OFF YOUR ALCOHOL BUZZ, STUDY FINDS
Alcohol consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer, metabolic dysfunction, gut microbiome disturbances and mitochondrial toxins.
It can also prevent the body from falling into REM sleep, which is the deep rest recovery period when the immune system cleans out the day’s toxins, according to Hyman.
Alcohol can impact deep rest and mental health, according to experts. (iStock)
Memory loss, cognitive decline, anxiety, sleep disruption, dementia and cardiovascular disease are all known risks of long-term alcohol use, as well as liver complications like fatty liver disease.
“Bottom line, alcohol taxes every major system in your body, especially your liver, your brain, your gut, your hormones,” Hyman said.
The effects of 30 days with no alcohol
The first week after your last drink, the body begins to detoxify and reset, according to Hyman. Blood sugar and cortisol stress hormones level out, and the liver begins to process a “backlog of toxins.” The body also re-hydrates and re-energizes.
The first 30 days with no alcohol allows the body to balance itself out. (iStock)
The second week, the gut and brain will begin to re-balance, as hormones like serotonin and dopamine stabilize, gut inflammation drops and the microbiome begins to heal. Cravings for sugar and alcohol will wane and mental clarity returns, the doctor said.
Week three is marked by further decreases in inflammation, fatty liver and blood pressure. This can be noticeable in the skin, as puffiness and redness are reduced. Mood also begins to stabilize, with lower anxiety levels.
DOCTORS REVEAL WHY ALCOHOL CAUSES ‘BOOZE BUTT’ AND HOW TO PREVENT IT ON NEW YEAR’S
In week four, the body experiences additional metabolic and immune benefits, Hyman shared, including more insulin sensitivity, which makes it easier to lose weight.
“You have a stronger immune response. You’re not getting sick as much. You have better deep sleep, balanced hormones, especially cortisol and testosterone,” he said. “And you see a big change in energy, confidence and focus.”
Abstaining from alcohol can help restore energy, according to experts. (iStock)
Dr. Pinchieh Chiang, a clinician at Circle Medical in San Francisco, said that Dry January isn’t a “detox,” but rather provides “feedback” from the body.
“It gives the body time to show people how it feels without alcohol. For many, that insight alone changes their relationship with drinking,” she said. “The biggest surprise isn’t what people give up, it’s how much better they feel.”
HIGHER STROKE RISK LINKED TO CONSUMING CERTAIN AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL, STUDY FINDS
The doctor confirmed that the first few days of not drinking may feel harder than expected, sometimes causing restlessness, cravings or disrupted sleep, but Dry January can ultimately change drinking habits for the remainder of the year.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
After a full year without alcohol, Chiang noted that health improvements are more profound. “We see sustained improvements in blood pressure, liver function and inflammation,” she said. “Those changes directly affect long-term heart disease and stroke risk.”
The risks of ‘all or nothing’
Some experts warn that adopting the Dry January trend could strengthen the urge to drink more in the other months, noting that some drinkers may find more success by slowly consuming fewer drinks per week.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Thomas Stopka, Ph.D., an epidemiologist and professor in the public health and community medicine department at Tufts University School of Medicine in Massachusetts, shared in a Futurity report that for some people, “damp January” may be more suitable.
One expert warned that not all drinkers should quit “cold turkey,” as it could lead to severe withdrawals. (iStock)
“Dry January is well-intentioned, and it may work really well for the people who can stick to it, maybe even beyond January,” he said. “Other people may be more inclined to cut down on alcohol consumption rather than quit drinking completely for the month.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Stopka noted that successful harm-reduction approaches “aim to be judgment free.”
“Substance use disorder is a disease,” he said. “It takes time to treat the disease and to stay connected to the continuum of care — from prevention to treatment initiation to sustained therapy, whether through medication, self-help, or individual therapy or group support.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Those struggling with signs of alcohol use disorder should consult a medical professional for personalized guidance.
Fox News Digital reached out to several alcohol industry associations requesting comment.
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Watch Bob Weir Perform ‘Touch of Grey’ with Dead and Co. at His Final Live Appearance
Man dies after dog attack in Dallas home, police say
Miami‑Dade crowds join nationwide protests after deadly ICE shooting
Red Sox shed light on plans for outfield, including Ceddanne Rafaela’s role
Broncos designate LB Drew Sanders for return from injured reserve
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Video: Raising a Baby in Altadena’s Ashes
Trump signs order to protect Venezuela oil revenue held in US accounts
What Canada, accustomed to extreme winters, can teach Europe
New video shows fatal Minnesota ICE shooting from officer’s perspective
Federal judge blocks Trump from cutting childcare funds to Democratic states over fraud concerns
-
Detroit, MI1 week ago2 hospitalized after shooting on Lodge Freeway in Detroit
-
Technology4 days agoPower bank feature creep is out of control
-
Dallas, TX6 days agoDefensive coordinator candidates who could improve Cowboys’ brutal secondary in 2026
-
Dallas, TX2 days agoAnti-ICE protest outside Dallas City Hall follows deadly shooting in Minneapolis
-
Iowa4 days agoPat McAfee praises Audi Crooks, plays hype song for Iowa State star
-
Delaware2 days agoMERR responds to dead humpback whale washed up near Bethany Beach
-
Health6 days agoViral New Year reset routine is helping people adopt healthier habits
-
Nebraska4 days agoOregon State LB transfer Dexter Foster commits to Nebraska