Apnea's Sleep Detection Feature On Galaxy Watch Now Available In 70 Countries

Samsung with the sleep apnea (sleep disturbance) detection feature on the Galaxy Watch is now available in more than 70 countries, (photo: x @AnxiousHolly ·)

JAKARTA Samsung officially announced that the sleep apnea detection feature on the Galaxy Watch is now available in more than 70 countries, including 34 countries in Europe, Australia, and Singapore.

This feature is designed to detect signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea in users aged 22 years and over. Samsung introduced this feature for the first time after obtaining De Novo authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2024, and was originally only available on some type Galaxy Watch in the United States.

In its official statement, Samsung revealed that this expansion was possible after the feature obtained the CE (Conformitre Europe) certification needed to operate in the European Economic Zone. With this certification, Samsung can bring the sleep apnea detection feature to 34 additional countries on the European continent.

This feature utilizes BioActive Sensors on the Galaxy Watch and the Samsung Health Monitor app to monitor respiratory problems while sleeping. Users simply wear smartwatches for two consecutive nights, and the device will record abnormal breathing patterns.

Increase Sleep Health Awareness

Samsung stated that the main goal of this feature is to raise awareness of the importance of sleep health. If the Galaxy Watch detects the potential for sleep apnea, the app will provide notifications and advise users to consult with professional medical personnel.

Sleep apnea disorders can cause poor sleep and increase the risk of various serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes. Because the symptoms are often difficult to realize, the presence of this feature on the Galaxy Watch is an important tool for early prevention.

It should be noted that this feature is only available for the Galaxy Watch 4 and above which runs the Wear OS 5.0 operating system or a newer version. In addition, the watch must be connected to the Samsung Galaxy smartphone that uses Android 12 or higher.

Samsung is rumored to be launching the Galaxy Watch next 8 months at the Unpacked event, and will most likely include an upgrade to this sleep apnea detection feature.