Clinical utility of smartphone applications for sleep physicians.

PURPOSE: To review various smartphone applications (apps) for sleep architecture and screening of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to outline their utility for sleep physicians. METHODS: Mobile application stores (Google Play and Apple iOS App Store) were searched for sleep analysis applications (apps) that are targeted for consumer use. Apps were identified by two independent investigators for apps published through July 2022. App information including parameters obtained for sleep analysis were extracted from each app. RESULTS: The search identified 50 apps that reported sufficient outcome measures to be considered for assessment. Half of the apps tracked sleep with phone-only technology, while 19 utilized sleep and fitness trackers, three utilized sleep-only wearable devices, and three utilized nearable devices. Seven apps provided data useful for tracking users for signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. CONCLUSION: There are a variety of sleep analysis apps available on the market to consumers currently. Though the sleep analysis of these apps may not be validated, sleep physicians should be aware of these apps to improve understanding and education of their patients.