Sleep apnea: 80% of people may be undiagnosed, Samsung study says

A Samsung survey released for World Sleep Day reports that about 80% of sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed and that roughly 23% of surveyed users are at risk; the study and clinicians say sleep tracker metrics such as snore detection, nighttime awakenings, and reduced REM and deep sleep can signal possible signs.

Samsung released a survey for World Sleep Day reporting that a large share of obstructive sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed and that many wearable users may be at risk. Experts in the article describe how sleep apnea disrupts breathing and fragments sleep, which makes the condition hard to detect because events occur while a person is asleep. The piece notes that wearable sleep trackers can record snoring, blood oxygen, sleep stages, and nighttime awakenings and that those metrics may highlight possible signs. Key points: - The article cites the American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s Obstructive Sleep Apnea National Indicator Report (2023) for the figure that about 80% of sleep apnea cases are undiagnosed worldwide. - Samsung reports roughly 23% of participants in its survey were identified as at risk for sleep apnea. - The article highlights tracker metrics to watch: snore detection, frequent nighttime awakenings, and reduced REM and deep sleep (Samsung reports about four minutes less REM and eight minutes less deep sleep in those with OSA). - Withings has announced a Sleep Care Solution in partnership with Dune Health to connect sleep tracker data with telemedicine services; Withings data from 2025 showed signs of sleep apnea in about 35% of U.S. users. Summary: The survey and expert comments emphasize that many people with obstructive sleep apnea may not be aware of it and that wearable data can show patterns associated with disrupted sleep. The article reports that some technology companies are pairing tracker data with telemedicine services to support evaluation, while a formal diagnosis still relies on clinical testing and specialist assessment.