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Silent Nights, Silent Damage: Why Early Detection of Sleep Apnea Matters

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, December 6th 2025 at 8:10 GMT by TheHealthSite

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Silent Nights, Silent Damage: Why Early Detection of Sleep Apnea Matters

Sleep, the most vital part of our day, can be interrupted by a condition that many people live with without even realizing it. A recent feature on The Health Site brings the issue of sleep apnea—often called the “silent night disorder”—into sharper focus, spotlighting a leading sleep‑medicine expert who explains how the disease affects millions, why early detection can change outcomes, and what patients can do to take control of their nights.

The Expert Behind the Story

Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Moreno, a board‑certified sleep specialist and director of the Metropolitan Sleep Institute, lends her decades of experience to the article. Dr. Moreno has treated more than 30,000 patients for sleep disorders, and her research on the cardiovascular consequences of untreated sleep apnea has been cited in Sleep and The New England Journal of Medicine. Her passion for early diagnosis stems from a simple observation: “When people first notice symptoms, it’s usually already too late for the brain and heart.”

What Is Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the soft tissues in the back of the throat collapse and block the airway. Less frequent but equally serious is central sleep apnea (CSA), in which the brain fails to signal the muscles that control breathing.

Both types share three hallmark features: fragmented sleep, loud snoring, and daytime fatigue. Yet the condition’s impact reaches far beyond a bad night’s rest.

The Silent Night Disorder—A National Epidemic

The article underscores that sleep apnea isn’t just a “night‑time nuisance.” According to data from the American Sleep Apnea Association cited in the piece, approximately 22–26% of adults in the United States—roughly 30–35 million people—have moderate to severe sleep apnea. That figure rises dramatically in older adults and in people with obesity, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes.

What’s even more alarming is the underdiagnosis rate. The Health Site quotes Dr. Moreno: “Only about one in three people with moderate or severe sleep apnea actually get diagnosed.” The silent nature of the disease—patients often believe fatigue is just “old age” or “work‑related”—contributes to this gap.

Why Early Detection Matters

Dr. Moreno explains the domino effect that untreated sleep apnea triggers:

1. Cardiovascular Strain: Each apnea episode creates a sudden drop in blood oxygen and a spike in blood pressure. Over time, this chronic strain contributes to hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke.
2. Metabolic Dysregulation: The nightly oxygen dips disrupt glucose metabolism, increasing the risk for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
3. Neurocognitive Decline: Persistent daytime sleepiness impairs concentration, reaction time, and even mood, affecting work performance and driving safety.
4. Mortality Risk: A meta‑analysis of 25,000 patients found that untreated OSA increases all‑cause mortality by up to 30%.

The article emphasizes that early diagnosis can interrupt this cascade. Once a patient is identified, a 10–12‑month course of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk, improve glucose control, and restore quality of life. The cost of sleep studies—often $300–$1,000—seems small compared to the potential savings in hospitalizations and lost productivity.

How Sleep Apnea Is Diagnosed

Dr. Moreno walks readers through the diagnostic pathway:

• Initial Screening: The article references the STOP‑BANG questionnaire, a quick tool that flags high‑risk individuals. The tool checks for Snoring, Tiredness, Observed apnea, high blood Pressure, BMI over 35, Age, Neck circumference, and Gender.
• Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT): For many patients, a portable monitor that records airflow, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiratory effort can be done at home in a week or two. The article cites a study showing HSAT’s sensitivity of 94% for moderate–severe cases.
• Polysomnography (PSG): If HSAT is inconclusive or if central sleep apnea is suspected, an overnight lab test is performed. PSG measures brain waves, oxygen levels, heart rhythm, leg movements, and more.

The piece includes a side‑by‑side infographic (linked within the article) that compares the pros and cons of HSAT versus PSG, making the decision process transparent for patients.

Treatment Options—More Than CPAP

While CPAP remains the gold standard, Dr. Moreno outlines a range of alternatives:

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Weight loss, regular exercise, avoidance of alcohol and sedatives, and positional therapy (avoiding supine sleep) can reduce apnea severity.
2. Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs): Custom oral appliances reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open. The article cites a 2022 Cochrane review that found MADs effective for mild‑to‑moderate OSA.
3. Positional Therapy Devices: Small pillows or wearable vibration devices alert patients when they slide onto a problematic sleeping position.
4. Surgical Options: Procedures such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP), maxillomandibular advancement (MMA), or hypoglossal nerve stimulation are reserved for refractory cases.
5. Adaptive Servo‑Ventilation (ASV): For central sleep apnea, especially in heart failure patients, ASV provides variable pressure support.

Dr. Moreno stresses adherence: “The greatest barrier to success is patients who stop using CPAP after a few weeks. Education and regular follow‑up are essential.”

Practical Tips for Patients and Families

The article offers actionable advice to help readers manage their risk:

• Track Your Sleep: Use a sleep‑tracking app to log snoring, awakenings, and daytime fatigue. The article links to a free tool, “SleepScore” that cross‑checks with a smartwatch.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Every 5 kg loss can reduce apnea events by up to 20%.
• Avoid Alcohol: Even one drink can relax throat muscles and trigger apneas.
• Sleep on Your Side: A simple pillow arrangement can prevent airway collapse for many.
• Seek a Second Opinion: If you have a chronic cough, high blood pressure, or morning headaches, ask your doctor for a sleep study.

A highlighted quote from Dr. Moreno: “When we catch sleep apnea early, it’s like putting a valve back in the plumbing. Once the pipe is blocked, it’s hard to fix.”

Resources for Further Learning

At the end of the article, Dr. Moreno provides a curated list of reputable resources—links to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Sleep Apnea page, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines, and patient support groups such as the “Sleeper’s Club.” She also includes a link to a video interview where she discusses “the newest wearable sensors that can predict apnea events before they happen.”

In Sum

The Health Site’s feature does more than just highlight the prevalence of sleep apnea; it paints a clear picture of the silent damage that occurs when the disorder remains undetected. By sharing expert insights, cutting‑edge diagnostic methods, and practical lifestyle strategies, the article empowers readers to take their sleep—and their health—into their own hands.

In the words of Dr. Moreno: “Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a foundation. If you’re not breathing properly at night, the consequences ripple across every aspect of your life.” If you suspect you or a loved one might be experiencing the silent night disorder, reach out to your healthcare provider today. A simple sleep test could change the course of your health for the better.