Samsung Introduces Sleep Apnea Detection Feature for Galaxy Watch in Germany

Samsung has announced the rollout of a new health feature for its Galaxy Watch series in Germany, allowing users to detect sleep apnea. This functionality, which was previously available in the United States, is now being extended to European markets as part of Samsung's commitment to enhancing the health monitoring capabilities of its smartwatches.

The sleep apnea detection feature is available starting from the Galaxy Watch 4 and later models. Users can activate this functionality if they are running Wear OS 5.0 or higher on their Galaxy Watch and have paired their device with a Galaxy smartphone that operates on Android 12 or newer.

To comply with European regulations, Samsung has secured the necessary CE certification, which confirms that the product meets health, safety, and environmental standards set by the European Union. The feature is also authorized in other regions, including Australia and Singapore.

According to Samsung, the sleep apnea detection function utilizes the watch's integrated BioActive Sensor to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) during sleep. It analyzes fluctuations in SpO2 values that may indicate apnea and hypopnea patterns. Utilizing these metrics, the watch estimates the apnea-hypopnea index to inform users about potential sleep disturbances.

However, it is important to note that the feature is intended for individuals who are at least 22 years old and have not previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea. Samsung's system aims to identify signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea by monitoring significant breathing interruptions over a two-night observation period.

While the sleep apnea detection function provides valuable insights, Samsung emphasizes that it is not a substitute for clinical diagnosis or existing treatment protocols for sleep apnea. Users are advised not to rely on the data for medical evaluations.

Sleep apnea, particularly obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), is a serious condition characterized by frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions can lead to decreased oxygen supply, potentially causing disturbances in sleep cycles and resulting in non-restorative sleep. Recent research published in the Deutsches Ärzteblatt indicated that approximately 30% of men and 13% of women in Germany were affected by obstructive sleep apnea as of 2021.