One hundred thousand suffer from sleep apnea, Glaway conference told

A conference taking place in Galway has heard how 100,000 Irish people are suffering from sleep apnea.

The condition is characterized by abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep and it can cause chronic fatigue and heart problems in the long-term.

Experts say around 90% of those who suffer from the disorder remain undiagnosed.

Dr Michael McSweeney, a consultant in the Galway Clinic and the Bon Secours Hospital, outlines the symptoms.

"The first thing to look out for is what we call inappropriate fatigue in somebody who is a snorer.

"Somebody who sleeps a normal number of hours and snores and has occasional pauses in breathing may combine with someone who finds themselves more tired than normal throughout the day."