If you own an Apple Watch, you're likely aware of the myriad of helpful features that come packed into this compact, wrist-based device. With a focus on health, your Apple Watch can assist you in managing your overall well-being, guiding conversations with your doctor, and prompting necessary lifestyle adjustments. In collaboration with an Apple clinician, we delve into some of the most unique health features of the Apple Watch that you may not be familiar with.
The Vitals app on your Apple Watch utilizes overnight health metrics to provide insights into your health that evolve daily. This app tracks various metrics, including heart rate, wrist temperature (available on the Apple Watch Series 8 and later, as well as any Apple Watch Ultra model), respiratory rate, and sleep duration. With just a glance, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your health.
If you purchased your Apple Watch in the U.S. prior to January 18, 2024, you also have the capability to measure your blood oxygen levels. The Vitals app will notify you if multiple metrics fall outside your normal range, providing information on potential causes. For instance, if your heart rate and wrist temperature are elevated, this may indicate illness or recent alcohol consumption. This information enables you to make informed decisions about your health, such as opting for extra rest or consulting a doctor if necessary.
To establish your typical range, wear your Apple Watch for a minimum of seven days. Ensure that it fits snugly on your wrist to capture accurate readings. To configure notifications, navigate to Settings on your Apple Watch, tap Vitals, and enable notifications. For sleep tracking specifically, ensure that Track Sleep with Apple Watch is set up, along with Sleep Focus. You can do this through the Health app on your iPhone by following the prompts under Set Up Sleep.
The Noise app on your Apple Watch measures ambient sound levels, and you can enable noise notifications to be alerted when you're exposed to potentially damaging sound levels. According to Dr. Lauren Cheung from Apple, understanding your environment's noise can positively impact your hearing health over time. This feature encourages proactive measures, such as relocating to quieter spaces or using AirPods Pro 2 equipped with Hearing Protection.
To activate noise notifications, open the Watch app on your iPhone, select My Watch, tap Noise, and then choose your desired Noise Threshold based on recommended decibel levels from the World Health Organization.
Utilizing new temperature-sensing technology, the Apple Watch can help users better understand variations in their baseline temperature, which can be influenced by factors like exercise and illness. This feature is particularly beneficial for those tracking ovulation, as the Cycle Tracking app can now estimate ovulation occurrences based on detected temperature changes.
To utilize ovulation estimates, first enable Cycle Tracking with fertility predictions, ensuring no ongoing cycle factors are logged. Follow the steps in the Health app on your iPhone or iPad, and ensure you're tracking sleep consistently.
Many users have reported the benefits of the Fall Detection feature, which is particularly useful for individuals with an active lifestyle. When enabled, the watch can recognize the distinct motion of a fall, sounding an alarm and alerting you. If you remain immobile for about a minute, it will automatically contact emergency services and notify your emergency contacts.
To turn on Fall Detection, open the Watch app on your iPhone, select My Watch, then Emergency SOS, and enable the feature. This is available on the Apple Watch SE, Series 4 and later, and the Apple Watch Ultra.
For users with an Apple Watch Series 1 or later aged 13 and over, the device can alert you to irregular heart rates or rhythms. These notifications work passively in the background, allowing you to take action if necessary. Irregular rhythm notifications can be particularly crucial, as they may indicate atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia that can lead to serious health issues.
To configure heart health notifications, access the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, navigate to My Watch, tap Heart, and set your thresholds for high and low heart rates. For irregular rhythm notifications, enable them through the Health app.
Your Apple Watch can track the amount of time you spend in daylight, which is vital for both physical and mental health. Research indicates that just 20 minutes outside each day can provide significant benefits, including vitamin D absorption and improved mood. This feature is also crucial for children's vision health.
Ensure that Motion Calibration & Distance is enabled in your iPhone's Settings. To view your daylight exposure, access the Health app, tap Browse, select Other Data, and then tap Time in Daylight.
The Mindfulness app on your Apple Watch allows you to log your emotions and moods, helping you identify patterns in your mental health. This feature encourages emotional awareness and regulation, which can positively affect your overall health and resilience over time.
To utilize the State of Mind feature, open the Mindfulness app on your Apple Watch, tap State of Mind, and follow the prompts to log your feelings. For historical insights, check the Health app on your iPhone under Mental Wellbeing.
If your Apple Watch detects elevated breathing disturbances while you sleep, you may receive notifications about potential sleep apnea. This feature can help identify a condition that affects millions but often goes undiagnosed, allowing for early intervention and better health outcomes.
To enable sleep apnea notifications, ensure that Sleep is set up in the Health app on your iPhone. Wear your Apple Watch to bed for at least ten nights within a 30-day period, and follow the prompts to enable sleep apnea notifications.
The Handwashing feature on the Apple Watch can detect when you start washing your hands and will time your wash to ensure you meet the recommended 20-second minimum. This feature was introduced to promote hygiene, especially during the pandemic.
To enable handwashing reminders, open the Settings app on your Apple Watch, select Handwashing, and turn on the Handwashing Timer. You can also set up reminders for handwashing when you return home.
By harnessing these innovative health features, Apple Watch users can take proactive steps toward better health and well-being. Each of these functionalities not only enhances your lifestyle but also empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
