With the introduction of watchOS 11 this September, Apple revealed a new capability in the latest Apple Watch models aimed at identifying potential sleep apnea. This feature has been rolled out in over 150 countries, with Brazil now being part of this expansion.
Apple Watch Sleep Apnea Detection Launches in Brazil
Apple confirmed on Tuesday that sleep apnea detection is now accessible for Apple Watch users in Brazil. This feature has received approval from ANVISA, Brazil’s health authority. Health functionalities must pass approval from regulatory bodies in each respective country.
“As of today, a new feature on the Apple Watch aimed at identifying signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea is now available in Brazil. To enable the sleep apnea notification, Apple has acquired a medical equipment license from the National Health Surveillance Agency,” the company announced to the media.
Sleep apnea detection debuted with watchOS 11 for the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The feature utilizes the Apple Watch’s accelerometer to identify potential breathing irregularities during sleep. Here’s how Apple elaborates on it:
Sleep is a crucial aspect of health, significantly impacting an individual’s overall physical and mental wellbeing. Sleep apnea is a common disorder characterized by temporary pauses in breathing during sleep, which restricts the body’s oxygen intake. It is estimated that over 1 billion people globally suffer from this condition, with many remaining undiagnosed. If untreated, it can lead to serious health issues over time, including increased risks of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and heart problems.
Breathing Disturbances is a novel metric available on the Apple Watch that employs the accelerometer to recognize minor wrist movements linked to disruptions in normal breathing patterns during sleep. Every month, the Apple Watch will assess breathing disturbance data and alert users if it detects consistent indications of moderate to severe sleep apnea so that they can consult their healthcare provider about possible diagnosis and treatment options.
Ensure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are operating on iOS 18 and watchOS 11 to activate sleep apnea notifications. Alongside Brazil, this feature is also available in the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Africa, the U.K., the European Union, and numerous other regions. You can find the comprehensive list of supported countries and regions on Apple’s website.
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