This ring could help diagnose sleep apnea while you snooze

Whether you're proposing or trying to save Middle-earth, finding that one precious ring is crucial.

For those suffering from sleep apnea, one ring could prove vitally important as well.

A new AI-powered smart ring developed by startup Happy Health aims to help doctors diagnose sleep apnea, and potentially other conditions, in just days from the comfort of home — no fellowship required — per Business Insider.

Not-so-golden slumbers

Sleep apnea, a disorder that repeatedly causes you to stop breathing during sleep, is a widespread concern:

• Around 30m Americans have obstructive sleep apnea, but roughly 80% are undiagnosed.
• Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious issues, including stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression.
• Undiagnosed sleep apnea can cost $149.6B in health care, accidents, and lost productivity.
• There's roughly one sleep doctor for every 43k Americans, and often a three- to four-month waitlist.

The quest of the ring

Dr. Dustin Freckleton, founder of Happy Health, knows firsthand how critical early detection of sleep apnea can be.

During medical school, Freckleton suffered a stroke that left him temporarily paralyzed on one side. Seven years passed before he was diagnosed with sleep apnea — despite it being a common stroke risk factor.

His health issues led him on a journey to Happy Health, which recently emerged from stealth after raising $75m.

• The FDA-approved ring gathers health data while you slumber and AI analyzes it.
• Patients meet with a doctor in Happy Health's network who can diagnose them and prescribe CPAP machines or dental devices.
• The ring costs $396, which includes one year of sleep tracking and physician consultations, and is often covered under insurance.

Freckleton hopes the ring can eventually detect other conditions.

Other startups in the world of sleep apnea

• Sunrise Group raised $29m for a lightweight at-home test.
• Sleep AI developed a lightweight oximeter with an AI-powered app.
• Eight Sleep, maker of $3k mattress covers, is pursuing FDA clearance to detect and treat apnea.
• Numerous startups are pursuing apnea treatments, including Somnair, Ognomy, and Apnimed, which developed a pill alternative.

Whether it's a ring or another device, remember Samwise Gamgee's inspiring words: "Even darkness must pass, a new day will come."

Hopefully after a better night's sleep.