To mark World Sleep Day 2026, a global study of Samsung Health users[2] is shedding new light on the true extent of the condition and the disruptive impact it has on individuals who suffer with sleep apnea. Aligned with this year’s World Sleep Day theme, “Sleep Well, Live Better,” Samsung is helping to turn the invisible signs of sleep apnea into actionable insights through its Galaxy Watch series, helping those affected improve their sleep habits and overall health.

Image: Infographic including all key data on impact of sleep apnea

How Does Sleep Apnea Impact Sleep?

The report found that 23% of study participants are at risk of sleep apnea.

“The microarousals and awakenings that follow breathing pauses fragment your sleep,” explains behavioral sleep scientist Dr. Vanessa Hill. “Those occurrences can prevent the brain from staying in the REM and deep sleep stages necessary for cognitive and physical restoration.”

The report shows these constant disruptions take a direct toll on sleep duration and quality, leading to:

• Reduced REM Sleep: Participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea indicators detected by their Galaxy Watch got around four minutes less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the phase where our brains process emotions, consolidate memories and cement learning. Without enough REM sleep, people can experience mood instability and memory problems, impacting performance at work and overall well-being.
• Less Deep Sleep: Sleep apnea also robs sufferers of deep sleep, approximately eight minutes less per night, on average. This is the body’s critical physical restoration phase, where the growth hormone is released, muscles are repaired, and your immune system is activated. Losing out on deep sleep is why sleep apnea sufferers may feel physically exhausted, have slower recovery times, and get sick more often.
• Frequent Nightly Awakenings: Study participants with signs of sleep apnea also woke up regularly during the night and stayed awake around four minutes longer. These interruptions derail the sleep cycle, locking individuals into lighter, less restorative stages and making next-day exhaustion inevitable, no matter how long the affected individual slept.
• Shorter Sleep Duration: Overall, people with a higher likelihood of sleep apnea averaged around 12 minutes less sleep. While this loss may seem minor, it can have a significant impact on overall sleep quality as your sleep cycle gets fragmented throughout the night.

Why It Matters: “Even a small loss in sleep duration is compounded by a larger loss of sleep quality,” said Dr. Hill. “This can be the difference between simply being ‘in bed’ and getting restorative rest, which could be why people feel so tired the next day.”

Dr. Hill also advocates a multidimensional approach to sleep health. “Sleep apnea affects many dimensions of sleep—duration, quality, sleep efficiency and even daytime fatigue,” she stated. “They together help determine our health and functioning.”

With sleep apnea shown to impact all aspects of sleep and lead to other health complications, detection is an essential first step in the fight against the condition.

How Does the Galaxy Watch Help Detect Sleep Apnea?

Image: UI of Sleep Apnea feature

For years, sleep apnea has been difficult to detect due to the need for inconvenient in-lab sleep studies. However, Samsung is now making at-home detection with a first-of-its-kind Sleep Apnea[3] feature on your Galaxy Watch.

• How It Works: Users simply track their sleep with a compatible Galaxy Watch[4] for more than four hours over two nights within a ten-day period. Available through the Samsung Health Monitor app, the Sleep Apnea feature enables users to proactively spot signs of the condition. Initially launched in Korea, the feature has received a Medical Device License from Health Canada as of September 2024 and is now available in 78 markets[5] worldwide and counting.
• The Technology: ). Leveraging the Galaxy Watch’s BioActive Sensor, the feature tracks blood oxygen levels to determine when the user stops breathing (apnea) or is not breathing at a sufficient level (hypopnea). Based on this data, the feature estimates the user’s Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), which indicates the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
• From Awareness to Action: By detecting signs of sleep apnea early, the feature provides the data needed for an informed consultation with a medical professional. In addition to detecting the signs of sleep apnea, your Galaxy Watch can help you build habits for better holistic sleep health. Features include the Sleep Coaching[6] program for detailed analysis and tips on how to improve sleep quality and Bedtime Guidance,[7] which recommends your optimal bedtime to ensure you consistently get enough sleep.

“For years, the inconvenience of an in-lab clinical sleep study has been a barrier to diagnosing sleep apnea,” added Dr. Hill. “Wearable technology such as Galaxy Watch is a breakthrough because it democratizes that first step. It allows people to gather meaningful data from their own beds, providing a starting point for a conversation with a healthcare professional.”

Take Control of Your Night

A good night’s sleep is the first step toward a healthier, more energized life, and Samsung is here to help guide you. Samsung’s ecosystem offers end-to-end care, from detecting signs of sleep apnea on your Galaxy Watch to providing suggestions for building better holistic sleep health.to connecting you with professional advice through our health network.

Looking ahead, Samsung is constantly innovating and improving the Sleep Apnea feature to make it even more powerful with sharper insights. Prioritize your rest today to unlock a healthier tomorrow.

[1]“Obstructive Sleep Apnea National Indicator Report,” American Academy of Sleep Medicine (2023)

[2]Samsung Health users from the U.S., South Korea, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Russia, Chile, South Africa, and the Philippines participated in the study from January–June 2025.

[3]The Sleep Apnea Feature is an over-the-counter (OTC) software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Phone. It is intended for on-demand use, to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions over a two-night monitoring period. Not intended for use by people under 22 years or, or who have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are pregnant, or have any of the following conditions: Parkinson’s, tremor, Periodic Leg Movement During Sleep, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment, and the data provided by this feature is not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. Results displayed are for informational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. UI may vary depending on the software version, country, or region. For full terms and conditions of use, please refer to the Instructions for Use on your device. Sleep Apnea feature has received a Medical Device License from Health Canada as of September 2024.

[4]Availability may vary by market, carrier, model, or a paired smartphone. Available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models. The watch requires the Wear OS 5.0 version or later and must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 12.0 or later.

[5]Supported markets include Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norfolk Island, Norway, Oman, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Réunion, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen.

[6]Required Samsung Health application version 6.24 or later. Samsung account login required. Sleep coaching requires sleep data for at least 7 days. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or diseases. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[7]Bedtime guidance is available on Android phone (Android 10 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.30 or later). Samsung account login required. Bedtime guidance is based on 3 days of sleep analysis of user’s sleep patterns. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or diseases. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

This growth has been driven by the feature securing CE (Conformité Européenne, European Conformity) marking for the European Economic Area (EEA). Additionally, the feature has recently been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia and Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore.

The milestone follows Samsung’s groundbreaking United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) De Novo authorization. Moreover, the Sleep Apnea feature has also received regulatory approval from Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS), Brazil’s Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) and Health Canada, Canada’s regulatory authority.

Recognizing the critical role of sleep in overall health, Samsung is committed to enhancing users’ sleep quality by understanding their sleep patterns, providing personalized sleep coaching and optimizing sleep environments.

When it comes to your health, small changes can make a big difference, starting with a good night’s sleep. The quality of sleep we get every night has a significant impact on our physical and mental well-being, and the Sleep Apnea feature continues Samsung’s commitment to provide Galaxy users with the best possible tools to improve healthy sleep habits. By expanding access to its Sleep Apnea feature globally, Samsung is empowering users worldwide to take proactive steps toward better sleep health.

¹ The Sleep Apnea Feature is an over-the-counter (OTC) software-only, mobile medical application operating on a compatible Samsung Galaxy Watch and Phone. It is intended for on-demand use, to detect signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in the form of significant breathing disruptions over a two-night monitoring period. Not intended for use by people under 22 years or, or who have previously been diagnosed with sleep apnea, are pregnant, or have any of the following conditions: Parkinson’s, tremor, Periodic Leg Movement During Sleep, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or pulmonary fibrosis. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment, and the data provided by this feature is not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. Results displayed are for informational purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. UI may vary depending on the software version, country, or region. For full terms and conditions of use, please refer to the Instructions for Use on your device. Sleep Apnea feature has received a Medical Device License from Health Canada as of September 2024.

² Availability may vary by market, carrier, model, or a paired smartphone. Available on Galaxy Watch4 series and later models. The watch requires the Wear OS 5.0 version or later and must be paired with a Samsung Galaxy smartphone with Android 12.0 or later. Due to market restrictions in obtaining approval/registration as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), it only works on watches and smartphones purchased in the markets where service is currently available (however, service may be restricted when users travel to non-service markets).

One UI 6 Watch will soon be available to a wider range of Galaxy Watch devices through the latest software update[1]. Beginning to roll out today, the update will bring select features from the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7 to previous generations of Galaxy Watch including Galaxy Watch6, Galaxy Watch6 Classic, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch5 Pro, Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch4 Classic and Galaxy Watch FE.

The One UI 6 Watch update brings additional personalized wellness insights to even more users[2]. With Energy Score[3], users can better understand themselves through an intuitive score calculated from various personal metrics including sleep, activity, sleeping heart rate, and sleeping heart rate variability. Users can also access personalized recommendations, powered by Galaxy AI[4], to support their wellness goals. For sleep tracking, receive a deeper understanding of your sleep patterns with a detailed analysis powered by an advanced AI algorithm and new sleep metrics, including movement during sleep, sleep latency, heart rate and respiratory rate. Additionally, the De Novo FDA-authorized Sleep Apnea feature is now available on a wider range of Galaxy Watch devices, helping more users proactively spot potential signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea.

The expansion of One UI 6 Watch empowers more users to stay motivated and conquer their fitness goals with personalized experiences. Monitor progress in real time when running or cycling with Race[5], which compares changes in current and past performance to encourage users to make improvements. Workout Routine allows users to combine various exercises and create personalized routines, uniquely tailored to their individual goals and preferences.

Furthermore, the latest update provides new watch faces to best suit various needs or preferences that are both stylish and functional. For instance, use the Simple Digital watch face to reflect a minimalist design, or the Ultra Info Board watch face to check information at a glance without sacrificing style. The expansion of One UI 6 Watch also allows users to enjoy more seamless experiences with connected Galaxy devices. When paired with a compatible Galaxy smartphone, users can effortlessly send suitable responses with AI-powered Suggested replies[6]. With simple and intuitive Double Pinch Gestures[7], a connected Galaxy smartphone can be easily controlled right from the wrist to answer calls, dismiss alarms, take photos and even more.

[1] The software update will come first to the Galaxy Watch6 series and then become available sequentially to previous generations. Feature availability and support may vary by market, carrier, model and paired smartphone. Software update for Watch4, Watch5, and Watch6 Bluetooth models will be available October 2024 and LTE models will be available November 2024.

[2] Tracking features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition, sleep disorder, or diseases. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[3] Energy score is available on Android phones (Android 10.0 or above) and requires Samsung Health app (v6.27 or above). Samsung account log-in is required. Service only available when user registers Galaxy Watch (Galaxy Watch4 or later released Galaxy Watch series) at least once. Service availability may vary by country and region. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or disease. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

[4] Samsung Account login required to use certain Galaxy AI features. Availability of Galaxy AI may vary by device model. Samsung Galaxy devices may require the latest software update to properly support Galaxy AI features.

[5] Race is only available for the outdoor running and outdoor cycling. For comparative measurements, you must run on the same path as the pre-generated path. Comparative measurements are not available if your route deviates from the existing route by more than 10%. Users can compare their outdoor running and cycling records by selecting one of the existing records captured within the previous 14 days.

[6] Suggested Replies feature requires a network connection to receive messages. It can suggest replies without network connection. Samsung Account login is required. Service availability may vary by language and app. Accuracy of results is not guaranteed.

[7] Double Pinch is off by default. To use the feature, it must be enabled on the Watch or the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app.