An Apple Watch can be used for countless tasks -- making phone calls, responding to text messages and reading emails, to name just a few -- but did you know that this smartwatch is also a powerhouse when it comes to monitoring and supporting your health? To learn more about the hidden health features on the Apple Watch, I spoke with Dr. Lauren Cheung, a doctor at Apple, who elaborated on how these tools were designed and who they can help the most.
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1. The Vitals app
Using overnight health metrics, the Vitals app can reveal much about your health and how it changes daily. From heart rate and wrist temperature (available on Apple Watch Series 8 or later and any Apple Watch Ultra model) to respiratory rate and sleep duration, you can get a thorough picture of your health from just one glance at your watch. If you purchased an Apple Watch sold in the US before Jan. 18, 2024, you may also be able to measure your blood oxygen.
"When two or more of your metrics are out of range, we will notify you with information about why that might be," Cheung told me in an email. "How it works is just after you wake up, you might see a notification from the Vitals app. For example, maybe your heart rate and wrist temperature were high -- this could be due to illness or alcohol consumption."
With the health information provided by the Vitals app, you can make informed decisions about your body. If specific metrics are outside your normal range, you can choose to get extra rest that day or visit your doctor if you have particular symptoms.
How to set up the Vitals app on the Apple Watch
To set up your typical range, you must wear your Apple Watch for at least seven days. Ensure your watch is not loose on your wrist; otherwise, it might not capture accurate readings.
To set up notifications, go to Settings on your Apple Watch, tap Vitals and turn on notifications.
For sleep specifically, make sure Track Sleep with Apple Watch is set up and Sleep Focus is enabled. To do so, open your iPhone's Health app, tap Get Started under Set Up Sleep, tap Next and then follow the on-screen prompts. You can also use your Apple Watch's Sleep app and follow the on-screen instructions.
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