How good is the Apple Watch at predicting stress levels? ‘Promising’, says study

The Apple Watch series stands out as one of the most exceptional smartwatches in the market, not only dominating the overall watch market but also excelling in health data measurement through its built-in sensors and watchOS software. A recent study conducted by the University of Waterloo in Canada, highlighted by MyHealthyApple, indicates that the Apple Watch is accurate in measuring stress levels.

The study reveals a close correlation between participants’ electrocardiogram (ECG) data and their corresponding stress levels. Stress models, utilizing algorithms, demonstrate a “high level of precision” with lower recall, indicating the Apple Watch’s “promising” potential for accurately predicting stress levels.

The Apple Watch’s efficacy is enhanced by additional data, including sleep and activity information, which contributes to more precise stress level predictions. This underscores the device’s multifaceted role in supporting users’ health, including its capability to trigger helpful features during emergencies and, as researchers suggest, aiding individuals with mental health by promoting healthy activities such as breathing exercises.

It’s worth noting that ECG support is available only on the Apple Watch Series 4 and later models. Overall, the study underscores the Apple Watch’s valuable contribution to health monitoring and suggests its potential role in mental health support through encouraging positive lifestyle activities.