FDA approves Apple Watch App designed to stop nightmares

The US Food and Drug Administration recently gave the green light to a new iOS app designed to reduce "sleep disturbance" in adults.

Nightware sample interface

Therapy app for Apple Watch users with PTSD

This new app is called Nightware and it gently vibrates users out of bad dreams so they can have a more restful sleep. It uses sensors on the Apple Watch to track heart rate and body movement. As a digital therapy, it uses both the Watch and iPhone to log data into the Nightware server. 

Before, the Nightware was granted the "Breakthrough Devices" title. It is categorized as a voluntary program for products that give effective treatment to fatal or weakening diseases. FDA director of the Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Carlos Peña, Ph.D explained that,

It offers a low-risk treatment option that uses digital technology in an effort to provide temporary relief from sleep disturbance related to nightmares.

The FDA's approval means it allows this Nightware App to be used as a treatment option for persons who suffer from nightmares. According to the source, it can lessen sleep disturbance among adults age 22 years old and above and experience nightmare disorder or PTSD.

Even though it is available by prescription and designed to be used at home, FDA warned that Nightware isn’t an independent solution. Moreover, the agency noted that the app should also be used under a healthcare professional’s supervision.

FDA explained that people may suffer from improper sleep cycle due to PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder. If not addressed, this may affect their health in the long run. There are treatments like medications and therapy plans to help them recover from it.

Sources: GizmoChina, Nightware