Apple has received approval from the National Medical Products Administration for its sleep apnea notification software on Apple Watch. The software monitors breathing disturbances during sleep and alerts users if it detects signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea.
The application is intended for adults aged 18 and older who have not been previously diagnosed with the condition. It utilizes data from the device accelerometer to track breathing patterns, categorizing them as either elevated or not elevated.
The system operates over a 30-day assessment period. If the software consistently identifies elevated breathing disturbances during this timeframe, it sends a notification to the user. Apple emphasizes that this tool is not for diagnosis, treatment, or management of the disease.
The company notes that the feature cannot replace traditional medical diagnostic methods. Users who receive a notification are advised to consult a physician for professional evaluation, especially if they have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea before.
