What is the condition, can it be fatal? – Firstpost

Apple on Monday introduced the latest generation of its popular watch — the Apple Watch Series 10 — at “Its Glowtime” event at Apple Park, California.

One of the Apple Watch Series 10’s most notable features is its ability to inform users for the first time about sleep apnea, a serious health problem that affects over a billion people globally.

Given that over 80 per cent of those who with the illness go undetected, it is one of the most prevalent health issues.

Here’s what it means.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a common condition in which one’s breathing stops and restarts many times while they are sleeping. The body may not get enough oxygen as a result, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

The Greek word “breathless” is where the word “apnea” originates.

Obstructive and central sleep apnea are the two types of the condition.

When the upper airway becomes repeatedly obstructed during sleep, airflow is reduced or stops entirely. This condition is known as obstructive sleep apnea. Obesity, enlarged tonsils, or hormonal fluctuations may be to blame for this. It is estimated that 936 million persons worldwide suffer from mild to severe OSA, as per The National Council on Aging (NCOA).

On the other hand, central sleep apnea results from the brain not sending the necessary breathing signals. Central sleep apnea can be brought on by illnesses that alter how the brain communicates with the muscles in the chest and airway.

Anyone can get sleep apnea, including elderly adults and infants and children. Certain situations and groups are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea.

According to Cleveland Clinic, experts estimate sleep apnea affects about five to 10 per cent of people globally.

Sleep apnea can increase the risk of high blood pressure or heart problems, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, liver problems, and cardiovascular problems.

Symptoms

According to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of sleep apnea include feeling tired or exhausted when waking up, daytime sleepiness, snoring, mood changes, waking up repeatedly in the middle of the night, pauses in breathing while asleep, unusual breathing patterns, insomnia, night sweats and feeling restless at night.

Disruptions in brain function, which can lead to memory loss, trouble concentrating, headaches, and sexual dysfunction are some of the other symptoms.

Early identification and treatment of sleep apnoea are essential because the condition can eventually cause major or even fatal problems, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Diagnosis and treatment

Sleep apnea can be diagnosed by testing and questioning about symptoms and sleep history.

The most common tests for the condition include polysomnogram and home sleep apnea testing,as per the clinic.

Breathing devices such as continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) machines and lifestyle changes are common sleep apnea treatments.

Other possible treatments also include oral appliances, nerve stimulators and medications for central sleep apnea only.

If these treatments don’t work, surgery may be recommended to correct the problem that causes sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea detection on Apple Watch Series 10

The all-new Watch Series 10 monitors breathing disturbances, a new measure, while the users sleep by using the accelerometer.

Every month, Apple examines this data using machine learning and presents the results to the user, alerting them to any anomalies in their sleep cycle. According to Gadget 360, claims that this feature is accessible in 150 countries.

When the user’s breathing disturbance data consistently displays symptoms of moderate to severe sleep apnea, the smart Watch Series 10 will assess it and notify them.

“Sleep plays such a vital role in our overall health and well-being, and people with sleep apnea can experience excessive daytime tiredness, have difficulties concentrating, and can be more irritable if left untreated. Sleep apnea can also have significant consequences on your health, including increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac issues,” said Dr Sumbul Ahmed Desai, Apple’s Vice President of Health, as per The Indian Express.

The Apple Watch Series 10 also has features from its predecessor, like notifications for atrial fibrillation (AFib) and prescription reminders.

Product specifications

Texting messages and passcodes is made simpler with the Apple Watch Series 10’s softened corners and new wide-angle OLED display.

It features the biggest display the firm has ever put on a regular Apple Watch model, and it’s reportedly 40 per cent brighter than its predecessor.

Apple claims that the Watch Series 10 is also the thinnest Apple Watch ever, measuring just 9.7mm. It has an aluminium frame that has been polished and contains silicone nanoparticles.

Additionally, the company introduced the Apple Watch Series 10 in titanium, which is supposed to weigh less than the Series 9 model made of stainless steel.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is equipped with a new S10 chipset, which is said to be 30 per cent smaller, and has a four-core neural engine, according to Gadget 360.

Additionally, users may now use the built-in speaker on their smartwatch to play music and podcasts directly. Water resistance on the smartwatch is up to 50 metres.

According to Apple, the Watch Series 10 is the fastest charging smartwatch ever, charging up to 80 per cent of the device’s capacity in just 30 minutes.

Price

Apple Watch Series 10 price starts at Rs 46,900 for the 42 mm GPS variant.

The LTE version is priced at Rs 56,900.

The Titanium variant in the 42 mm cellular version is priced at 79,900 and the 46 mm model is priced at Rs 84,000.

Pre-orders begin today and will go on sale starting September 20.

With inputs from agencies