Smartwatch Shows Promise in Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The smartwatch demonstrated impressive accuracy, detecting moderate-to-severe OSA with a 94% sensitivity and 67% specificity at its default setting. Among individuals at high risk, the device achieved 100% sensitivity and specificity, particularly in those with high hypoxic burden, a physiologic indicator of low blood oxygen saturation.

Dr. Robson Capasso, the principal investigator and a professor at Stanford's Department of Otolaryngology, stated that these findings suggest consumer smartwatches can make sleep apnea screenings more accessible. While not diagnostic, the technology can help identify risks earlier, potentially leading to timely interventions and established treatments such as positive airway pressure therapy and weight management.

Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent condition where breathing intermittently stops during sleep due to upper airway obstruction, resulting in serious health risks including stroke and heart attacks. The study involved 147 participants, averaging 54 years, who had either a diagnosis of moderate-to-severe OSA or a high likelihood of having it. Participants wore the Galaxy Watch 6 during two nights in the Stanford Sleep Medicine Center and three nights at home while their OSA indicators were measured.

Lead author Arash Alavi emphasized the study’s comprehensive approach, which validated the smartwatch's effectiveness across multiple sleep apnea metrics. The researchers concluded that consumer wearables could aid in the identification of individuals requiring formal testing for OSA.

Anyone experiencing symptoms of sleep apnea, such as loud snoring or choking during sleep, is advised to consult a healthcare professional or reach out to an accredited sleep center. The study received financial backing from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., with assistance from various Stanford research centers.