FDA Approves Apple Watch App That Helps With PTSD Nightmares

There are many reasons why people suffer from PTSD, and sometimes as a result of PTSD, they also get nightmares while they’re sleeping that are related to it. There are, of course, ways to treat these kinds of symptoms, but if you happen to own an Apple Watch, then you might be interested to learn that the FDA has recently approved an app that is meant to treat those nightmares.

The app is called Nightware and for the moment, it is only available on the Apple Watch. The app will rely on the built-in sensors of the Apple Watch to detect and monitor the person’s sleep, like their body movement and heart rate. Based on the data, the app can then detect if the person is experiencing a nightmare and will use vibrations in the watch to rouse the sleeper, but not fully waking them, with the idea that it helps to interrupt those nightmares but maintaining sleep.

It is currently a prescription-only app and is part of a strategy that also involves medication. While it won’t necessarily cure PTSD, it will at the very least help provide those who suffer from it a good night’s sleep. So far based on a study used with a control group, it was found that the app did lead to better sleep quality, so like we said, it’s not necessarily a cure, but it could still have some beneficial use all the same.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Gadgets
Tags: Apple Watch, Apps, fda, Health, Legal, Smartwatch, Wearable Tech