Unmasking the Night: Discover the Hidden Dangers, Myths, and Breakthroughs in Sleep Apnea
We are proud to unveil a transformative new 5-episode podcast series that delves into one of the most underestimated health challenges of our time: Sleep Apnea.
Hosted by Julio Verissimo and featuring distinguished guests Dr. Nolido and Dr. Montalban, this groundbreaking series—“Breaking the Silence of Sleep Apnea”—aims to inform, inspire, and ignite vital conversations about reclaiming health, energy, and well-being.
Sleep Apnea: A Silent Global Epidemic
Sleep apnea affects nearly 1 billion people worldwide, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed and underestimated health conditions. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the most common type, causes repetitive interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to reduced oxygen levels and severe disruptions in rest.
This condition not only impacts daily energy, concentration, and mood but is also strongly linked to serious long-term health risks such as hypertension, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and cognitive decline.
Shockingly, studies reveal that up to 80% of moderate to severe cases go undiagnosed — a silent danger affecting both quality of life and longevity.
Through expert discussions with Dr. Nolido and Dr. Montalban, this special podcast series aims to shine a light on sleep apnea, empowering listeners with the knowledge, tools, and hope needed to reclaim their health and vitality.
Why Understanding Sleep Apnea Matters More Than Ever
In a fast-paced world where fatigue and stress are often normalized, many fail to realize that the true culprit behind their struggles might be hidden in the silence of their sleep.
Sleep apnea is not merely about snoring — it is about interrupted life. It robs people of their energy, focus, emotional stability, and eventually, their health. It strains families, weakens professional performance, and quietly accelerates chronic illnesses.
Recognizing the signs early, seeking diagnosis, and pursuing the right treatment can transform lives. It can mean waking up refreshed instead of exhausted, protecting the heart and brain, improving relationships, and extending not just life — but the quality of life.
Through “Breaking the Silence of Sleep Apnea,” we invite you to embark on a journey of awareness, action, and hope. Because breathing freely in your sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s your right.
Sleep apnea is a serious yet frequently underdiagnosed sleep disorder that affects millions worldwide. It is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, which can occur due to complete blockages (apneas) or partial obstructions (hypopneas) of the airway. These interruptions can last anywhere from a few seconds to over a minute and may occur dozens or even hundreds of times per night. As a result, the body is repeatedly deprived of adequate oxygen, forcing the brain to jolt the person awake—often without their awareness—just enough to resume normal breathing. This cycle leads to fragmented, poor-quality sleep and can have far-reaching effects on both physical and mental health.
When left untreated, sleep apnea becomes a silent yet destructive force that significantly increases the risk of chronic and life-threatening conditions. Among the most common consequences is excessive daytime sleepiness, which impairs cognitive function, reaction times, and alertness—contributing to a higher incidence of workplace errors and a dramatically increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. Over time, this disrupted sleep and the associated oxygen deprivation place immense strain on the cardiovascular system, raising the likelihood of hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, arrhythmias, and stroke.
In addition, sleep apnea has been closely linked with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), type 2 diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, and erectile dysfunction—conditions that can further deteriorate quality of life. On a neurological and psychological level, the disorder is associated with frequent headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, irritability, mood swings, and an increased susceptibility to depression and anxiety. These effects often go unnoticed or are misattributed to lifestyle stress, allowing the condition to persist and worsen without appropriate intervention.
There are three distinct types of sleep apnea:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) – The most prevalent form, OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax excessively during sleep, causing a temporary blockage of the upper airway.
- Central Sleep Apnea (CSA) – Less common, CSA results from the brain’s failure to send proper signals to the muscles that control breathing, typically due to underlying neurological or cardiac conditions.
- Complex (Mixed) Sleep Apnea – A combination of both obstructive and central components, requiring careful diagnosis and a tailored treatment approach.
The risk of developing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is influenced by multiple factors. These include obesity, particularly with increased fat deposits around the neck; advancing age; male gender (although postmenopausal women are also at higher risk); genetic predisposition or family history; and certain anatomical traits, such as a naturally narrow airway, large tonsils, or a recessed jaw. Lifestyle habits like alcohol consumption, sedative use, and smoking can exacerbate airway relaxation or inflammation, while chronic nasal congestion or coexisting medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also contribute
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea is crucial for timely diagnosis. While loud and disruptive snoring is a hallmark sign, many patients experience more subtle symptoms such as gasping or choking during sleep, restless sleep, dry mouth upon waking, insomnia or frequent awakenings, morning headaches, difficulty concentrating during the day, low energy, decreased libido, and irritability. Often, it is a bed partner who first notices the alarming breathing patterns.
Diagnosis requires a sleep study—either an overnight polysomnography in a clinical sleep lab or a home sleep apnea test (HSAT), depending on the severity and medical history. These tests monitor variables such as airflow, oxygen levels, heart rate, brain activity, and muscle movement to determine the presence and type of apnea.
Fortunately, effective treatments exist and can significantly restore health and quality of life. The most common intervention is the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, which delivers a constant flow of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. For those with mild to moderate OSA or who cannot tolerate CPAP, custom oral appliances designed by trained dental professionals reposition the jaw or tongue to maintain airflow. In certain cases—especially when anatomical obstructions are present—surgical options may be recommended to correct the airway structure.
With their combined medical expertise and patient-centered approach, Dr. Nathaly Nolido and Dr. Gloria Montalban are not only treating dental concerns but are playing a vital role in the early identification and management of sleep apnea. Their commitment to whole-person care allows them to improve not just the smiles—but the sleep, health, and overall well-being—of every patient they serve.
🔍 👨⚕️👩⚕️Meet Dr. Nolido & Dr. Montalban
Dr. Nolido and Dr. Montalban bring a wealth of medical expertise, compassion, and a shared passion for elevating public health. Their deep clinical experience and commitment to patient-centered care make them ideal voices to guide audiences through the complexities of this often-overlooked disorder.
Dr. Montalban
Dr. Gloria Montalban is a highly accomplished dentist with a passion for delivering exceptional, anxiety-free care. She graduated summa cum laude from St. Peter’s College with a major in Biology and a minor in Psychology, contributing to published articles in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology. Dr. Montalban earned her dental degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (now Rutgers Dental School), where she was inducted into both the Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society and Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
Following her degree, she completed a general practice residency at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Dr. Montalban has built a successful career in general, family, and cosmetic dentistry, continually advancing her expertise through ongoing education to provide her patients with the latest techniques and technology. Her patient-centered approach emphasizes the importance of healthy, confident smiles.
In addition to her dental practice, Dr. Montalban is a dedicated mother of two and enjoys an active lifestyle, participating in boot camp sessions and mud runs. She was honored as one of the “Leading Physicians of the World & Top Dentist in New Jersey” in 2015, reflecting her outstanding reputation and commitment to excellence in dentistry.
Dr. Nolido
Dr. Nathaly Nolido is a highly accomplished and compassionate dentist dedicated to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care. She is a proud graduate of Boston University Sargent College, where she majored in Anatomy and Physiology, and earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
To further deepen her clinical expertise, Dr. Nolido pursued advanced education and residency training at prestigious institutions, including Columbia University and The Presbyterian Hospital of Columbia and Cornell. During this time, she contributed to the Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD) team, highlighting her focused knowledge and commitment to treating complex dental conditions.
Dr. Nolido’s diverse career spans both public service and private practice. She has cared for medically complex patients at the Lyons Veterans Affairs Medical Center in New Jersey, served as a cosmetic dentist in New York City, and in 2004, she founded Miles of Smiles Family Dentistry, where she continues to provide exceptional care to families and individuals of all ages, Her excellence in the field has been consistently recognized. She is a multi-year recipient of the New Jersey Top Dentists Award, and was honored as a Top Dentist in the Leading Physicians of the World publication, solidifying her reputation as a leader in modern dentistry.
🎯 Series Overview
Each episode offers an insightful, accessible journey through understanding, diagnosing, treating, and living empowered despite sleep apnea.
🌟 Podcast Series Title: Breaking the Silence of Sleep Apnea
Host: Julio Verissimo
Special Guests: Dr. Nolido & Dr. Montalban
Episodes: 2 (Weekly Release)
Platform: Julio Verissimo Live Show & JV VIBES RADIO
🌟 Episode Lineup:
🔹 Episode 1: What Is Sleep Apnea? (Monday, May 19th 17:30pm GMT)
Discover the different types of sleep apnea, its underlying causes, and why early recognition is crucial—not just for better sleep but for overall life quality, Navigate the diagnostic journey with clarity. From simple at-home tests to advanced sleep studies, learn what steps to take toward , Explore cutting-edge treatments, alternative therapies, and personalized solutions that go far beyond traditional machines
🔹 Episode 2: Warning Signs & Misconceptions (Wednesday, May 28th 17:30pm GMT)
Learn to identify the subtle yet critical signs. Challenge the common myths that keep millions from seeking the help they need.Hear inspiring real-life stories, proven coping strategies, and actionable tips for embracing life with renewed vitality
🛡️ Why This Series Matters
Sleep apnea is more than snoring—it’s a hidden epidemic linked to heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and emotional health challenges. Through this series, we seek not just to raise awareness but to empower listeners to take charge of their health and the health of those they love.
✨ Stay tuned for a powerful, enlightening journey that could change—and even save—lives.
Let’s break the silence together.
🎧 Listen, Learn, and Lead a Healthier Life.
This episode promises to be not just a dialogue, but a masterclass for anyone seeking to lead with purpose, authenticity, and global impact.
🎧✨ Tune in and be part of an inspiring journey where voices truly inspire and ideas ignite.
Only on Julio Verissimo Live Show and JV VIBES RADIO — Where global leaders meet visionary conversations. 🌟
📅 When & Where to Watch
📍 Live on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram
🚀 Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation! Be part of the movement toward a smarter, more human-centered future.
Podcast Episode (Coming Soon)
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