Samsung Electronics has marked a significant milestone in health technology with the announcement that its sleep apnea feature has received de novo clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The feature, which is integrated into the Samsung Health Monitor app, is the first of its kind to receive FDA approval, following an earlier green light from Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) last October.
Designed to run seamlessly on compatible Samsung Galaxy Watches paired with smartphones, this groundbreaking feature enables users aged 22 and above to detect potential signs of moderate to severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) over a two-night period. OSA, a common and chronic sleep disorder that often goes undiagnosed, causes individuals to stop breathing during sleep, disrupting oxygen flow, reducing sleep quality and increasing daytime fatigue. The effects of untreated OSA extend to cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke.
With statistics from the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) indicating that approximately one-quarter of men and one-tenth of women in the U.S. struggle with OSA, the introduction of this feature on the Samsung Health Monitor app is poised to revolutionize proactive detection efforts. By providing users with an easy way to identify moderate to severe OSA indicators, Samsung aims to encourage timely medical intervention, thereby mitigating potential health complications down the road.
Understanding the integral role of sleep in overall health and well-being, Samsung underscores its commitment to providing Galaxy users with world-class sleep solutions. Based on the principles of understanding sleep patterns, promoting healthy habits and cultivating an environment conducive to sleep, the tech giant is steadfast in its mission to improve the sleep health of its consumer base.
Scheduled for release in the third quarter, the sleep apnea feature will be rolled out to Galaxy Watch Series users in the U.S. via the Samsung Health Monitor app, marking a significant advancement in accessible and proactive sleep management tools.
