Sir, recent FDA approval for Samsung’s Galaxy Watches and Apple’s Watch Series 10 marks a revolutionary moment in wearable technology and its application in sleep apnoea healthcare. From a dental perspective, this is particularly valuable as dentists often encounter early signs of sleep apnoea during routine check-ups with conditions such as sleep bruxism, dry mouth and enlarged tonsils, all common signs of obstructive sleep apnoea.1,2,3 With these more accessible tools for detecting the potential signs of sleep apnoea, dentists can recommend them for screening and encourage early intervention.
Unlike traditional sleep apnoea testing, which often requires expensive, cumbersome in-lab polysomnography or at-home tests, these wearables offer more convenient, user-friendly options with better patient compliance.1 These advancements mark a significant step towards a promising future, enabling users to take a proactive approach towards their sleep health. Early detection of sleep apnoea can help them prevent serious complications like hypertension, coronary artery disease and stroke.
Additionally, Apple’s feature also allows the users to generate reports detailing when the sleep apnoea may have occurred along with three months of breathing disturbance data and additional information, which can be shared with their healthcare provider to support early consultation and diagnosis.4 Despite the encouraging prospects of these advances, these are OTC devices that are intended to empower the users with the ability to recognise abnormality in their sleep patterns. Hence, it is crucial for patients to understand that these tools are intended for preliminary screening and should not replace a professional diagnosis or treatment plan. Consulting a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation remains essential for proper diagnosis and management of such conditions.