Recent commentary in this journal has debated the imperative for screening in obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in people with schizophrenia. In their systematic review, Myles et al. (2016) reported an estimated prevalence of 1.6–52%. The wide estimated interval is likely attributable to variations in patient population, screening methods and definitions of OSA. We believe the need for screening is underscored by high rates of metabolic syndrome, use of antipsychotic medications, the probable under-reporting of symptoms and misattribution of symptoms to drugs or psychiatric sequelae. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a readily available treatment that may yield significant improvements to quality of life in people with schizophrenia.