Even for categories like personal diagnostics, the revenue drops last year compared to 2022 were primarily due to high saturation levels caused by strong purchases made during pandemic years. If we compare 2023 sales to 2019, revenue from personal diagnostics is 11% higher, showing that devices like blood pressure monitors, digital thermometers, personal scales, and nebulizers remain indispensable for consumers.

Sleep health and mental well-being are gaining prominence within SDA products. In 2023, products like wake-up lights and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) lamps saw significant market traction, with a combined revenue growth of +36% over 2022.  

Wake-up lights, which simulate natural sunlight to gently wake users, help regulate circadian rhythms and improve overall sleep quality. Meanwhile, SAD lamps provide necessary light exposure during darker months, enhancing mental health. These innovations are crucial as sleep disorders become more prevalent due to sedentary lifestyles and high screen time. 

Innovative health appliances continue to drive the SDA market. For example, hot air fryers grew by 39%, to $3.3 billion globally in 2023. These offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying by using minimal oil, as well as the added benefit of using less energy compared to a conventional microwave oven. Similarly, electric cooking pots with steaming function, which reduce fat intake as well as preserving more vitamins and minerals than many other cooking methods, held their ground better than their overall category average: 

• Electric cooking pots with steaming experienced a -14% revenue drop last year, compared to -17% for electric cooking pots in total.   

These products highlight the trend toward integrating health benefits into everyday appliances. Despite a saturated market, it helps to limit the current sales decline when products are in-line with consumer motivations, such as making it easier for consumers to maintain healthier living without significant dietary changes. 

Core wearables have become central to personal health management, with purchases last year showing a 5% growth in revenue over 2022. Devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers offer people extensive functionalities, from tracking physical activity and monitoring vital signs to analyzing sleep patterns. These devices offer real-time feedback and a highly convenient way to track and optimize their daily holistic health routines and personal fitness goals. 

The future of SDA health and personal diagnostics

Looking ahead, the integration of health technology into everyday life will only deepen. Wearables and other health innovations are becoming more advanced, user-friendly, and cost efficient, enabling more personalized health management with real-time, at-home monitoring that frees users from unnecessary trips to their doctor. The focus is shifting toward multifunctional devices that offer comprehensive health monitoring and support. For instance, smart scales can now operate in an ecosystem where they can integrate with wearable fitness trackers and mobile apps to provide users with a holistic view of their health metrics at their fingertips.  

This convergence of technology and health empowers individuals to take proactive steps in managing their well-being with the convenience and speed demanded of today’s society. As technology continues to evolve, it will bring more sophisticated solutions that cater to diverse health needs, making proactive health management even more accessible. The future promises exciting advancements that will further enhance our ability to maintain and improve our health through technology.