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 your sleep. Aligned with this year’s World Sleep Day theme, “Sleep Well, Live Better,” Samsung is turning the invisible signs of sleep apnea into actionable insights through its Galaxy Watch series, helping those affected improve their sleep habits and overall health.

How Does Sleep Apnea Impact Your 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 of it, 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 growth hormone is released, muscles are repaired, and your immune system is activated. Losing out on deep sleep is why you 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 you into lighter, less restorative stages and making next-day exhaustion inevitable, no matter how long you 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 Galaxy Watch Help Detect Signs of Moderate to Severe Sleep Apnea?   

For years, sleep apnea has been difficult to detect due to the need for inconvenient hospital tests. However, Samsung offers 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 since received De Novo authorization from the U.S. FDA 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 enough (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 tackling sleep apnea, your Galaxy Watch can help you build habits for better holistic sleep health. Features include the Sleep Coaching program for detailed analysis and tips on how to improve sleep quality and Bedtime Guidance,^[6] 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 guide you. Samsung’s ecosystem offers end-to-end care, from detecting signs of sleep apnea on your Galaxy Watch to providing suggestions to receive professional adviceto 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. Users should not use this feature to replace traditional methods of diagnosis and treatment by a qualified clinician. The data provided by this device is also not intended to assist clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders. For users over the age of 22 who have not been diagnosed with sleep apnea, the feature monitors for signs of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

^[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]Bedtime guidance is available on Android phone (Android 11 and above) requires Samsung Health app (v6.30.2 or later). Bedtime guidance based on 3 days of sleep analysis of user’s circadian rhythm and sleep pressure. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or sleep disorder. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

Heart and brain health are two key areas of global healthcare innovation, where our groundbreaking advancements are shaping the future of preventative care.

Our wearable technology will soon enable early detection and monitoring of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction (LVSD), a serious cardiovascular condition responsible for approximately 50% of all heart failure cases^[1] and is more fatal than some cancers. Similarly, we are advancing brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies by overcoming the limitations of bulky devices to unlock immense potential in mental health management and productivity.

World-First LVSD Detection

Heart failure stands out as one of the most fatal cardiovascular diseases, with a 5-year survival rate of only 50% following diagnosis.^[1] As a result, early detection of LVSD is critical, as timely diagnosis along with medication and lifestyle adjustments, can significantly reduce hospitalisation and lower the risk of death.

Samsung has overcome this limitation by introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms that have been developed in collaboration with Medical AI, a leading Korean medical device company specialising in AI-based ECG technology. These algorithms have been developed based on Medical AI’s in-house algorithm for the 12-lead ECG analysis, which is already deployed across over 100 major hospitals in Korea and used for over 120,000 patients on a monthly basis^[1], bringing clinically proven, real-word reliability that led to securing regulatory approval from South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) as the first smart watch to gain LVSD detection capabilities.

This technology not only enables early screening for asymptomatic individuals but also aims to reduce the surging healthcare costs associated with heart failure by promoting early diagnosis and timely treatment^[2]. Furthermore, this product aligns with global healthcare priorities, including personalised patient care, proactive health management, lowering healthcare burdens, and advancing the application of AI in medicine.

Advancing Brain-Computer Interface Technology in a Wearable

Our commitment to collaboration extends beyond heart health innovation. Much like the groundbreaking work with Medical AI on LVSD detection, we recently partnered with Hanyang University’s Department of Biomedical Engineering to develop an around-the-ear electroencephalogram (EEG) prototype device, advancing BCI technology with unmatched wearability and precision.

Engineered to overcome limitations of traditional EEG systems, the Ear-EEG offers a sleek, ergonomic design that allows seamless brainwave monitoring outside laboratory settings. Designed to capture high-quality signals with strategically placed electrodes around the ear, the research prototype delivered strong real-world application potential:

• Drowsiness Detection: It accurately detected the onset of drowsiness in real-time, showcasing its potential to enhance learning efficiency and support focus in education and beyond.
• Video Preference Analysis: Using AI to analyse brainwaves, the device identified participants’ personal video preferences with 92.86% accuracy, pointing to potential applications in neuromarketing and entertainment.

This research was recently featured in the Volume 25, Issue 18 of the IEEE Sensors Journal, where it was selected as the sole feature article, further solidifying Samsung’s leadership in wearable sensor innovation.

“This study is a prime example of academia-industry collaboration being recognised internationally for its scholarly significance,” said Professor Chang-Hwan Im of Hanyang University. “The technology we developed is not limited to education and marketing but has the potential to expand into diverse fields such as entertainment and mental health management.”

Collaborating for a Smarter, Healthier Future

Through relentless focus on innovation, rigorous research, and ongoing partnerships with world-class experts and institutions, Samsung is redefining the future of healthcare by delivering technologies that are personalised, connected, and more accessible than ever.

Looking ahead, Samsung is poised to redefine the future of healthcare by delivering technologies that are personalised, connected, and accessible to everyone. Through relentless innovation and strategic collaboration, Samsung continues to simplify the wellness journey, offering users the tools they need to proactively manage their health and embrace smarter, healthier lifestyles. This commitment ensures that Samsung’s solutions not only meet the needs of today’s users but also push the boundaries of what’s possible in tomorrow’s healthcare landscape.

^{[1] The views and statements expressed in this article are based on available information and do not necessarily represent verified facts or the official position of Samsung.}

^{[2] Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.}

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the availability of the One UI 8 Watch update^[1] for Galaxy Watch Ultra, unlocking motivational health features and a refined, intuitive interface unveiled with the new Galaxy Watch8 series to Galaxy users. With the update, Galaxy Watch Ultra users now have access to powerful tools^[2] like Running Coach, Vascular Load, and Antioxidant Index — all designed to help users build healthier habits through motivational insights.

With One UI 8 Watch, the user interface is optimised to deliver essential information at a glance on a smartwatch-sized screen. Multi-Info Tiles pull everything from health metrics to weather into a customisable view, delivering the information users need, exactly when they need it. Now Bar^[3] ensures that whatever users are working on will always be accessible. These One UI 8 Watch features integrate seamlessly with Galaxy Watch Ultra’s robust performance and durability.

Galaxy Watch Ultra remains the ultimate wearable companion for those who love outdoor adventure — available in four stunning titanium finishes, including the newly introduced Titanium Blue. Meanwhile, Galaxy Watch8 is designed for everyday wellness with comfort and style, while Galaxy Watch8 Classic offers timeless sophistication paired with advanced functionality. Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra in Titanium Blue will soon be launched globally.

For more details about the Galaxy Watch Ultra, visit https://www.samsung.com/sg/watches/all-watches/?galaxy-watch-ultra.

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^{[1] One UI 8 Watch update will be progressively rolled out to previous Galaxy Watch models. All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.}

^{[2] Availability and features may vary depending on market, model and the smartphone paired; visit https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/feature-stories/great-health-can-happen-overnight-with-galaxy-watch for details. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition. The result is for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.}

^{[3] Availability of functions supported within the apps may vary by market. Some functional widgets may require a network connection and/or Samsung Account login.}

With over 25 years of experience in the medical field and now as Head of Digital Health at Samsung Electronics, I spend a lot of time contemplating how technology can truly drive progress in healthcare, rather than being just another innovation for innovation’s sake. That’s why I’m very excited about AI as it offers new ways to address many of society’s health problems by simplifying complexity and at scale.

In our ongoing work to reimagine healthcare, Samsung is leveraging advanced AI algorithms and extensive technical expertise to develop solutions like Energy Score. This feature quantifies physical and mental energy levels through multiple health indicators including sleep, heart health and physical activity. Our vision is to include more comprehensive metrics like nutrition, mental health and additional mobile usage patterns to provide a holistic view of a user’s health status, powered by AI.

AI holds great promise for early disease prevention through analysing patterns and behaviours, detecting abnormalities, and even predicting potential health issues. By combining our long-standing sensor innovations with AI leadership, we aim to elevate our capabilities in preventing diseases beyond sleep apnea and expanding to cardio-metabolic conditions. In particular, blood glucose is a big area of focus for us, and Samsung has been working to develop a sensor algorithm that predicts early signs of diabetes – along with non-invasive blood glucose monitoring technology and continuous glucose monitoring-integrated nutrition coaching.

Our goal is to support proactive health management, thereby lowering healthcare burdens on individuals, families and communities at large. I strongly believe that AI will revolutionise the digital health industry and simplify the wellness journey for everyone. As a global tech leader, Samsung is uniquely equipped to make this a reality with our mix of technology innovations and a growing ecosystem of partners.

Dr. Hon Pak, SVP and Head of Digital Health Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics sat down with Samsung Health Advisory Board members in early spring 2024 at the Samsung Medical Center in Seoul to discuss the future of health and how wearables powered by AI will play a big role in driving the industry forward. Dr. Michael Blum, M.D., CEO and co-founder of medical analysis platform, BeeKeeper AI, former Chief Digital Transformation Officer at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), Division of Cardiology; Dr. David Klonoff, M.D., President of the Diabetes Research Institute at Mills Peninsula Medical Center; and Professor Myung Jin Chung, Director of Samsung AI Research Center at Samsung Medical Center (SAIC) shared expert insights and unique perspectives on how Samsung can strategically embrace AI, with a specific focus on its upcoming wearables portfolio.

What do you see as the future of health and what role does technology play in it, especially when combined with Generative AI?

Professor Chung: Through years of clinical experiences, I’ve learned there is immense value in a comprehensive, 360-degree understanding of a patient’s health history. However, it can be challenging to fully grasp their lifestyle or key wellness factors, such as sleep patterns or eating habits, especially when treatment is focused on specific symptoms. Lifelog data gained from wearables can be helpful for healthcare and clinical management to better understand the full context of one’s health history. And AI can assist clinicians by streamlining the management and interpretation of collected information over time, simplifying the process. The future of AI is distilling vital insights from daily life to deliver a deeper understanding of one’s health based on continuous monitoring by a wearable.

Dr. Blum: As a cardiologist, I also want to add that continuous monitoring is emerging as a vital tool in early detection and prediction of a potential disease. For instance, conditions like atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure, which are high risk and impact, yet manageable through low-intensity interventions, can benefit greatly from such monitoring. By wearing a smartwatch, we can better understand the underlying issues that may be contributing to it, and Samsung can be hugely impactful here. These tools, powered by AI, can easily turn data into consumable insights and actionable wisdom, empowering individuals to take proactive steps to reduce possible health risks.

Dr. Klonoff: Glucose monitoring has become more prevalent, not just for diabetes management but for people who don’t have diabetes yet are interested in pursuing a healthier lifestyle. As such, there’s increasing interest in understanding what behaviors affect glucose levels. Since health metrics are interconnected, combining glucose data with sleep, blood pressure, and activity level insights initiates profound conversations about individuals’ lifestyles and experiences. And if users can gain a deeper understanding of these collective insights sooner, then there’s increased opportunity to identify early warning signs of potential health issues such as diabetes. Wearables and AI amplify the value of physiological data and individuals can gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of metabolic health and facilitate opportunities to improve overall wellness and fitness.

What role do you expect Samsung to play in the evolving health landscape?

Dr. Klonoff: We encourage Samsung to not only embrace AI in their health monitoring technology but continue to lean on their pioneering heritage of innovation to emerge as a leader in promoting behavioural change. Through ongoing conversations and collaborative efforts with medical experts, Samsung can help people make the changes in their lives that are needed. Leveraging these insights can encourage people to stay healthy over the long term without feeling overwhelmed and enable them to lead more fulfilling and enjoyable lives.

Dr. Blum: I agree that technology integrated into people’s lives can be an important step to maintain everyday wellness and help to prevent serious health conditions. These devices should seamlessly work in the background in an innocuous way, and Samsung has been a clear leader in this space with its diverse product offerings, ranging from smartphones and TVs to home appliances. However, the question that remains is how can we successfully improve people’s daily lives from a wellness perspective? In the end, it is crucial to connect with users to understand their patterns and encourage positive behavioural modifications; and Samsung has the potential to push the limits of what’s possible, so we can all take better care of ourselves and our families.

Professor Chung: I echo Dr. Blum’s sentiment, in that while Samsung devices are already deeply embedded into our everyday lives, there are opportunities to further embrace its device ecosystem to facilitate behavioural changes for a happier, healthier tomorrow. However, there’s immense power in making behavioural changes with support from family members; it’s more effective than taking on this challenge alone. That’s why it’s necessary to leverage continuous monitoring and insights, as well as create a care circle with family and friends. Samsung can be a huge contributor in creating a care circle by leveraging its expertise and advanced capabilities to maximise social connections with the goal of providing users with greater knowledge about themselves and their loved ones.