Apple reportedly hires sleep expert to work on rumored ‘iWatch’

Apple has reportedly hired a sleep expert to aid it in its creation of the iWatch, a wearable device that the tech giant is rumored to be developing.

9to5Mac reported that Roy J.E.M. Raymann -- whose background includes working on wearables, sensors and non-pharmacological methods of improving sleep quality -- has joined Apple. Raymann previously worked at Philips Research, where he led multiple efforts in sleep research, and was also a member of the Dutch Society for Sleep-Wake Research before leaving in December.

Raymann’s addition signals that an Apple smart watch could include features and sensors capable of tracking how users sleep. Already, there are apps and wearable devices, such as the FitBit, that help users track this information.

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Many believe an Apple iWatch will connect with users’ smartphones to relay messages and possibly run light versions of smartphone apps, similar to other smart watches that already exist.

It seems Apple might make health monitoring a big part of the iWatch. Since last summer, Apple has been on a hiring spree of health and sensor experts who could help develop the iWatch.

Last month, it was reported that the company hired Michael O’Reilly, whose company created an iPhone-connected pulse monitor. Apple also added Nancy Dougherty, whose background included developing a patch capable of analyzing a person’s blood without the use of a needle. In August, the company added Jay Blahnik, a fitness expert who served as a consultant to Nike in its development of multiple fitness products. And the list goes on.

Apple could not be reached for comment.

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