What is sleep apnoea and what are the signs to watch out for?

Loud, persistent snoring may indicate obstructive sleep apnoea — here are the red flags to watch out for

Snoring and disrupted sleep are symptoms of sleep apnoea. Pictures: iStock 

Screening for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) should be introduced in workplaces, researchers say, after findings from a new study, published in the journal Thorax, suggested the condition may cost businesses due to absenteeism and reduced productivity.

With sleep apnoea, breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, and loud snoring is a key symptom, according to the HSE website.