This article discusses the best smartwatches with sleep apnea detection available in India. But do you know what sleep apnea is, how it is detected, and how to prevent related health risks?
Imagine if you woke up one morning feeling more exhausted than when you went to bed. Your partner complained of loud snoring or gasping sounds, but you had no idea that your nightly breathing interruptions could be signalling a serious health issue.
Now imagine a small device on your wrist automatically gathering data, analysing your breathing patterns, and alerting you to potential sleep apnea–all before you even step out of bed. Let’s explore how advanced wearables are bringing sleep apnea screening into our everyday lives, helping to turn it into a simple nightly check.
Key Findings
Sleep Apnea: A common condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, breaking sound sleep, daytime fatigue, and elevated risks of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. (Mayo Clinic)
Detection via Smartwatches: Modern wearables use sensors – accelerometers (to detect “breathing disturbances”), pulse oximetry (to monitor blood oxygen levels overnight), and proprietary algorithms—some of which have FDA clearance—to display users for moderate to severe sleep apnea. (Apple)
Top Smartwatches in India: From various researches, we found that Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, and Ultra 2; Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra; and the clinically validated Withings ScanWatch Nova and ScanWatch 2—can detect sleep apnea well, combining medical-grade sensors with user-friendly apps.
Understanding Sleep Apnea
What Is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep apnea is a potentially serious sleep disorder with symptoms of repeated pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. These interruptions, known as apneas, may occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night, disturbing restorative sleep and oxygenating the body. (Mayo Clinic)
Symptoms
- Loud, chronic snoring
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue
- Morning headaches, dry mouth, or sore throat
- Frequent awakenings or gasping/choking episodes during sleep
- Difficulty concentrating, mood disturbances, or depression. (Webmd)
Health Risks
If untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Over time, these complications can impact overall health and longevity. (NHLBI)
How Smartwatches Detect Sleep Apnea
I am not a health expert or a doctor. But I learned about sleep apnea and how modern smartwatches use many sensors and advanced algorithms to flag potential sleep apnea moments while sleeping:
Accelerometer-Based Detection: Wrist movements when gasping or choking are spotted interruptions in normal respiratory patterns.
SpO₂ Monitoring: Continuous or automatic blood oxygen measurements overnight can reveal frequent desaturation events.
Proprietary Algorithms & App Alerts: Companion apps (e.g., Apple Health Checklist, Samsung Health Monitor, Withings Health Mate) in the smartwatch compile data and show apnea signs to the user.
Note: While these smartwatch features can detect apnea signs, they are not substitutes for clinical diagnosis. If you get positive alerts, consult your doctor (sleep specialist) for formal sleep studies.
The Best Smartwatches with Sleep Apnea Detection
1. Apple Watch Series 10
Apple’s flagship watch series now includes a dedicated Sleep Apnea Notifications feature. This feature uses its precise accelerometer to detect breathing disturbances during sleep.
Apple watch models that got FDA clearance in September 2024 are Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2. They notify users signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea. (Axios)
Key Specs:
- Display: Always-On Retina LTPO3 OLED, 2000 nits peak brightness
- Processor: Apple S10 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor
- Storage: 64GB internal storage
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours of normal use, 36 hours in Low Power Mode
- Health Features: ECG app, Blood Oxygen sensor, Heart Rate monitoring, Cycle Tracking
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS + Cellular
- Water Resistance: 50m depth rating, depth gauge, water temperature sensor
2. Apple Watch Series 9
The Series 9 supports the same FDA-approved Sleep Apnea Notifications. It continuously monitors wrist movements overnight and alerts the user via its Health app if patterns flag moderate to severe apnea. (Apple)
Key Specs:
- Display: Always-On Retina OLED, super-bright with 2000 nits peak brightness
- Processor: Apple S9 SiP for enhanced speed and efficiency
- Storage: 64GB internal storage
- Battery Life: Up to 18 hours of normal use; Low Power Mode extends to 36 hours
- Health Features: ECG app, Blood Oxygen sensor, Irregular Heart Rhythm notifications, Sleep Tracking
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS + Cellular
- Water Resistance: Swim-proof with 50m depth rating
3. Apple Watch Ultra 2
The Ultra 2 brings the most robust sensor array and extended battery life, so it can monitor your sleep quality overnight. It gives you Sleep Apnea Notifications feature. It features enhanced environmental sensors for contextual health insights.
Key Specs:
- Display: Always-On Retina LTPO OLED, super-bright 3000 nits peak brightness
- Processor: Apple S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor
- Storage: 64GB internal storage
- Battery Life: Up to 36 hours of normal use, extends to 72 hours in Low Power Mode
- Health Features: ECG app, Blood Oxygen sensor, Heart Rate Zones, Sleep Tracking
- Connectivity: Precision dual-frequency GPS (L1 + L5), Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Cellular
- Water Resistance: Rated for 100m depth, dive-ready, MIL-STD 810H tested
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
With its Health Monitor companion app, Galaxy Watch 7 can detect potential sleep apnea signs by recording snoring, sleep duration, and breathing irregularities when you wear it while sleeping. The AI sleep analysis feature flags if it detects sleep‐related breathing disorders such as apnea. (Samsung)
Key Specs:
- Display: Super AMOLED, Sapphire Glass, up to 2000 nits brightness
- Processor: 3nm chipset, 3X faster performance optimization
- Storage: 32GB internal storage
- Battery Life: Enhanced optimization for extended battery usage
- Health Features: AI-powered health monitoring with ECG, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, SpO2 tracking
- Connectivity: Dual GPS, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC
- Water Resistance: 5ATM & IP68, rugged design for durability
4. Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
Samsung’s Ultra smartwatch model comes with more battery life and durability. When you wear it overnight, it tracks your sleep uninterruptedly. It also uses the AI sleep analysis and Health Monitor integration to screen for apnea indicators and you see the alerts on your paired smartphone.
Key Specs:
- Display: Super AMOLED, Sapphire Glass, ultra-bright visibility
- Processor: Advanced 3nm chipset, 3X faster performance optimization
- Storage: 32GB internal storage
- Battery Life: Up to 100 hours runtime with smart optimization
- Health Features: ECG, Blood Pressure monitoring, SpO2, AI-powered health insights
- Connectivity: Dual-frequency GPS, LTE, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC
- Water Resistance: 10ATM & IP68, rugged durability for outdoor adventures
6. Withings ScanWatch Nova [Hybrid Smartwatch]
The Nova comes with an analog dial with an OLED sub-display and features medical-grade SpO₂ monitoring. Using Withings’ proprietary Health Mate algorithms, the Nova tracks overnight oxygen levels, respiratory rate, and breathing disturbances. It provides an Apnea Score to screen for moderate to severe sleep apnea. (Withings)
Key Specs:
- Display: PMOLED smart display
- Processor: Advanced health-tracking chipset
- Battery Life: Up to 30 days per charge
- Health Features: ECG, Blood Oxygen (SpO2), Heart Rate monitoring, 24/7 temperature tracking
- Sleep Insights: Sleep tracking with Sleep Quality Score, light/deep sleep analysis
- Activity Tracking: Over 40 auto-recognized activities, VO2 max estimation
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Connected GPS support
- Water Resistance: 5ATM rating, suitable for swimming
7. Withings ScanWatch 2 [Hybrid Smartwatch]
The ScanWatch 2 carries forward Nova’s hybrid design and respiratory insights but adds advanced sensors for improved accuracy. This watch tracks SpO₂, heart rate, and breathing irregularities automatically, and helps early detection of potential sleep apnea. Battery life of up to 30 days and FDA-validated algorithms make it a clinical choice for continuous screening. (Withings)
Key Specs:
- Display: PMOLED smart display
- Processor: Advanced chipset for precise health tracking
- Battery Life: Up to 30 days per charge
- Health Features: Medical-grade ECG, 24/7 heart rate monitoring, Blood Oxygen (SpO2), Body temperature tracking
- Sleep Insights: Sleep duration, deep/light sleep phases, sleep interruptions, Sleep Quality Score
- Activity Tracking: 40+ activities, VO2 max estimation, connected GPS
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, iOS & Android compatibility
- Water Resistance: 5ATM rating, swim-proof design
List of the best smartwatches for sleep apnea
- Apple Watch Series 10
- Apple Watch Series 9
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra
- Withings ScanWatch Nova
- Withings ScanWatch 2
Choosing the best smartwatch with sleep apnea
- Choose Apple if you use an iPhone.
- Buy a Samsung watch if you use an Android smartphone and are looking for an affordable option.
- Opt for Withings if you are looking for a long-lasting battery.
Smartwatches with SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) monitoring can contribute to identifying potential signs of sleep apnea, but it alone is not sufficient to detect or diagnose sleep apnea. If you look in an affordable option, check out these Smartwatches with SpO2.
Also, see ECG Smartwatches and Smartwatches with BP Monitor
FAQ: Smartwatches with Sleep Apnea Detection
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1. How do smartwatches detect sleep apnea?
Smartwatches use advanced sensors (SpO2, heart rate monitors, and accelerometers) to track breathing patterns, oxygen saturation, and movement during sleep. The smartwatch algorithms then analyse this data to identify breathing irregularities that can suggest sleep apnea.
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2. Are smartwatch sleep apnea detection features accurate?
While not as precise as clinical sleep monitoring tools, many studies show smartwatches can provide reliable preliminary insights at home. They’re effective for early detection, but you should seek professional medical evaluation for diagnosis.
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3. Can a smartwatch replace a CPAP machine or sleep clinic test?
No. Smartwatches are screening tools, not to be taken as medical devices. They help flag potential issues but cannot treat sleep apnea like a CPAP machine or provide diagnoses. Always meet a doctor for confirmation and treatment.
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4. Do I need a prescription to buy these smartwatches?
No prescription is needed—you can buy one over the counter or from a trusted online store. You should share detected irregularities with a doctor or healthcare provider for further examination.
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Ibochouba Singh is a content writer and reviewer with a passion for writing about digital marketing and tech gadgets, including software tools and new tech gadgets. He has over 15 years of experience writing for several consumers and clients, including tech startups, marketing agencies, and software companies. He is writing many articles and reviews for many websites, including nigcworld.com, and buywin.in.