Dr Amir Khan issues warning to anyone wearing a fitness watch at night

Dr Amir Khan issues warning to anyone wearing a fitness watch at night The health expert addressed concerns about fitness watches showing 'low levels' at night Dr Amir Khan has issued a warning to anyone who uses a fitness watch, especially at night, explaining how it may pick up on something that definitely warrants booking a doctor's appointment. The advice was shared in the latest episode of his No Appointment Necessary podcast, which he hosts alongside presenter Cherry Healey. During the episode, the NHS GP and resident ITV doctor discussed what to do if a fitness watch detects oxygen levels (SPO2) dropping below 90% during the night. He warns that this may indicate sleep apnoea. The medical condition causes a temporary obstruction of the airway, leading to poor sleep quality. He says that while the accuracy of individual watches may vary, such readings should be taken as a serious potential sign of health issues that can strain the heart and lungs - potentially causing other issues, like high blood pressure. He recommends undergoing a professional sleep study for a definitive diagnosis. Many of today's fitness watches and smartwatches can measure blood oxygen levels, commonly known as SpO2 or Pulse Ox. They work by using light sensors located on the back of the watch that emit red and green light into your skin, then measure how much light bounces back from your blood. These gadgets are designed to track overall fitness and wellness. They aren't medical devices, so they shouldn't be relied upon to diagnose health issues. Factors like movement, cold skin, tattoos, or a loose fit can also lead to inaccurate readings. Reading out a question from a viewer, Cherry asked Dr Amir Khan: "How serious should we take the night measurements of our fitness watches?" The doctor replied: "I can't speak to how accurate your individual watches are, but they're probably a good enough indication. They might not be 100% accurate, but they're probably picking up something that's dropping." He warned: "If your oxygen levels are dropping through the night, it usually means you've got something called sleep apnoea. You stop breathing altogether for a very short period of time and then you wake up." Dr Amir Khan continues: "With sleep apnoea, you get complete obstruction of your upper airway briefly, and then you wake up a little bit enough to open up your airway again. And so in that moment, your oxygen levels will drop. It's that which is the issue, and that is why you wake up not feeling refreshed. "But also that chronic dropping of oxygen through the night can lead to increased pressure on your heart. It can lead to high blood pressure and long-term issues as well. So if you are getting those readings on your watch, I would first of all ask your partner, 'Am I making this noise?' But if it's not the case, your doctor can refer you for something called sleep studies, where they will monitor your oxygen while you sleep, and they'll give you a definitive answer." The NHS says: "Sleep apnoea is when your breathing stops and starts while you sleep. The most common type is called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Sleep apnoea needs to be treated because it can lead to more serious problems." What problems can sleep apnoea cause? Sleep apnoea can also be difficult for your partner and put a strain on your relationship with them. Without treatment, sleep apnoea can lead to other problems, including: - high blood pressure - a higher chance of having a stroke - type 2 diabetes - heart disease - depression or mood changes - a higher chance of having a serious accident caused by tiredness, such as a car accident - difficulty concentrating at work or school You may need to tell the DVLA about your sleep apnoea. If sleep apnoea with excessive sleepiness has been confirmed, you must not drive until symptoms like feeling very tired are under control. Check the rules for driving if you have sleep apnoea on GOV.UK. What are the main symptoms of sleep apnoea? Symptoms of sleep apnoea mainly occur during sleep. They include: - your breathing stopping and starting - making gasping, snorting or choking noises - waking up a lot - loud snoring During the day, you may also: - feel very tired - find it hard to concentrate - have mood swings - have a headache when you wake up How is sleep apnoea treated? The NHS says: "Sleep apnoea can sometimes be treated by making lifestyle changes like losing weight, giving up smoking and reducing how much alcohol you drink. But many people need to use a device called a CPAP machine. You'll be given this for free on the NHS if you need it." Other treatments sometimes used for sleep apnoea include: - a device like a gum shield that holds your airways open while you sleep (mandibular advancement device) - surgery to help your breathing, such as removing large tonsils - exercises for your mouth and facial muscles - a device that sends small electrical signals to the nerve that controls your tongue (hypoglossal nerve stimulation)