Things to Know When Navigating the Apple Watch’s New Features, With Carleara Weiss, Ph.D.

Sleep tracking technology is entering a new era, offering patients powerful tools to better understand their health and advocate for themselves. According to Carleara Weiss, Ph.D., M.S., RN, sleep science adviser for Aeroflow Health, the new Apple Watch and similar devices now provide “sleep scores” by tracking not just movement but also breathing patterns, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and heart rate. By gathering data across multiple nights, the devices help define what’s normal for each individual and flag potential red flags when patterns deviate.

For example, if your sleep is usually consistent and suddenly your watch shows drops in oxygen or multiple breathing pauses, that deviation may point to a deeper issue. While a single unusual night may simply reflect stress or a late glass of wine, repeated irregularities should be discussed with a doctor.

Weiss emphasizes that these devices are not diagnostic tools. Instead, they are meant to provide a heads-up when something is different. Persistent issues such as high or low heart rate variability, oxygen desaturation or disrupted breathing during sleep may indicate conditions like untreated obstructive sleep apnea. Similarly, new blood pressure monitoring features can help identify risks in people who may not yet know they have hypertension or sleep-related disorders.

Importantly, patients should not panic over every irregular reading. Tracking devices are accelerometer-based and may not always match how rested you actually feel. Instead, think of your tracker as an awareness tool: Use it to spot patterns, connect them to lifestyle factors and start conversations with your health care provider if problems persist.

Lifestyle changes remain the foundation of healthy sleep. Weiss recommends consistent bed and wake times, limiting caffeine, exercising 150 minutes per week and managing stress. If issues continue despite these adjustments, it’s time to consult a health care professional for evaluation.

Ultimately, sleep trackers are best viewed as tools for self-advocacy — helping patients tune in to their bodies, make healthy adjustments and seek care when needed.

5 Things Patients Should Know When Navigating the New Apple Watch Features

• Sleep trackers are not diagnostic tools, but they can flag patterns worth discussing with your doctor.
• One unusual night usually isn’t cause for concern; persistent irregularities are.
• Lifestyle changes — consistent schedule, less caffeine, regular exercise — improve sleep health.
• New features may help identify hidden risks like sleep apnea or high blood pressure.
• Don’t panic over data; always compare with how you feel and consult your provider if worried.