Apple Taiwan announced that it has received a medical device license from Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare. Designated Apple Watch models are now open to use the “sleep apnea detection” function. Patients suspected of suffering from moderate to severe signs of sleep apnea can be detected early.
How does the Apple Watch’s “sleep apnea detection” function work? What is “sleep apnea”? Here’s an explanation:
1.Apple’s “Sleep Apnea Detection” function:
Apple announced that designated models of Apple Watch have received medical device license from Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, adding a sleep apnea notification function. Through the “breathing disorder” indicator, when the normal breathing pattern is interrupted during sleep, the Apple Watch’s accelerometer detects related small movements in the user’s wrist. Every 30 days, Apple Watch will analyze “breathing disorder” data. If it continues to show signs of suspected moderate to severe sleep apnea, it will notify the user so that they can discuss follow-up treatment with a doctor.
There are three models that support breathing disorder measurement: Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
As long as you use a model that supports breathing disorder measurement, you can obtain breathing disorder data by setting sleep apnea notifications.Apple reminds that the Apple Watch is not a medical device and should not replace discussing the diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring of sleep apnea with a doctor. Additionally, sleep apnea notifications should not be used if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea notifications or are under 18 years of age.
2. What is sleep apnea?
[Sleep apnea] is a condition in which breathing is frequently interrupted during sleep. This interruption is usually caused by obstruction caused by relaxation of airway muscles (obstructive OSA) or improper control of breathing by the brain (central CSA). Ninety percent of them are obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
OSA is caused by the muscle tension of the upper respiratory tract becoming relaxed during sleep, which is prone to repeated collapse, further narrowing the airway, causing breathing to become shallow and laborious, leading to apnea (Apnea) or shallow breathing (Hypopnea). In more severe cases, it may even cause complete obstruction of the airway and suffocation.
Image source: Health 2.0
Patients suffering from sleep apnea (OSA) are prone to being unable to enter the deep sleep period (NREM N4) due to the brain suffocating to prevent the patient from stopping breathing during sleep. The body cannot get adequate rest, which can easily cause memory loss, obesity, high blood pressure, and increase the risk of depression and cardiovascular disease.
according toChang Gung Memorial Hospitalhospital、Diabetes Care FoundationmeetingAccording to the data, the possible sequelae of ignoring sleep apnea include cardiovascular disease, brain disease, metabolic disease, mental problems, reduced quality of life and increased risk of accidents.
Sleep apnea is more likely to occur in men, people over 50 years old, obese people, people with excessive neck circumference, people with high blood pressure, etc. Men who snore loudly, often feel tired during the day, have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 35, have high blood pressure, and are over 50 years old are at high risk.
If you use the “Sleep Apnea Detection” function of Apple Watch to learn that people are suspected of having moderate or severe symptoms of sleep apnea, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor as soon as possible and conduct a “Polysomnography (PSG)” for professional treatment.
Image source: Health 2.0
The main treatments for sleep apnea include the use of positive (positive) pressure respirator CPAP, anti-snoring braces, obstructive apnea surgery, and weight loss.
However, if you are diagnosed with severe apnea (OSA) by a professional doctor, it is usually difficult to cure, and long-term use of CPAP/BPAP is often necessary.Respirators to slow down the negative effects of sleep apnea on the body.
USAZopecMedical UPS battery Taiwan agent~Hongxiang Smart TechnologySaid: “Apple Watch supports sleep apnea detection function, which will help detect sleep apnea early and provide professional treatment early.
As the age group suffering from moderate to severe sleep apnea gradually decreases, patients must learn to live in peace with OSA throughout their lives, and the power supply of equipment must be taken seriously. Hongxiang Smart Technology specially introduces well-known AmericanZopec MedicalMedical UPS batteries are specially designed to power respirators, which can effectively solve the power supply problems of most CPAP/BPAP respirators during travel and power outages, so that patients do not have to be trapped at home and can return to normal life. “
Source: KOCPC Chinese