In today's enlightening episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani sits down with Dr. Nimisha Somaiya, the heart behind Seva Dental in Bellbrook, Ohio. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and a deeply personal journey into sleep-disordered breathing, Dr. Somaiya shares how incorporating sleep medicine into her dental practice has transformed not only her own life and her family's health—but is now changing the lives of her patients as well.

This isn't just a conversation about straight teeth—it's about functional dentistry and how something as seemingly cosmetic as Invisalign can have life-changing impacts when used with intention. You'll discover how airway-focused dentistry plays a vital role in supporting proper tongue posture, creating space for better breathing, and ultimately helping to address conditions like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

In this episode, you'll learn:

- Why crowding of the teeth isn't just an aesthetic issue—it's an airway issue

- How functional orthodontics like Invisalign can create space for the tongue and improve breathing

- The importance of proper tongue posture and ideal oral resting posture

- Why snoring, grinding, and bedwetting in kids should never be ignored

- The variety of effective treatment options available beyond CPAP therapy

- How dental professionals can be key allies in identifying and treating sleep apnea

Top 3 Takeaways from Dr. Somaiya:

- Parents, pay attention to your child's sleep habits – Snoring, grinding, and hyperactivity are warning signs, not phases they'll "grow out of."

- Don't ignore a sleep apnea diagnosis – If CPAP isn't working for you, there are alternatives like oral appliance therapy that can help you breathe and sleep better.

- Be your own advocate – If your doctor isn't taking your symptoms seriously, keep pushing. Find a provider who listens and offers solutions tailored to your needs.

About Dr. Nimisha Somaiya

Dr. Nimisha Somaiya is an airway-focused dentist and passionate advocate for whole-person, patient-centered care. As the founder of Seva Dental in Bellbrook, Ohio, she is known for her calming presence and commitment to improving her patients' lives through better breathing, sleep, and wellness. "Seva," meaning "service" in her native language, reflects the compassionate philosophy at the heart of her practice.

Originally trained at one of India's top dental schools, Dr. Somaiya moved to the U.S. in 2001, completed advanced training at Southern Illinois University, and earned IV sedation certification during her hospital residency at Miami Valley Hospital. She is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), a distinction held by fewer than 6% of U.S. dentists.

Her areas of expertise include:

• Airway and sleep dentistry

• Invisalign® and airway-conscious orthodontics

• IV sedation and full-mouth rehabilitation

Dr. Somaiya has pursued extensive training through the Clinical Mastery Series and various airway-focused programs to stay on the leading edge of dental care. A former President of the Dayton Dental Society and a 2015 Dayton Business Journal "40 Under 40" honoree, she remains actively involved in her professional and local communities.

Outside the clinic, she enjoys traveling, gardening, hiking, cooking with her family, and practicing mindfulness.

Connect with Dr. Nimisha Somaiya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevadental/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SevaDental/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SevaDental Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sevadental NextDoor: https://nextdoor.com/pages/seva-dental-bellbrook-oh/ Linked In: Seva Dental: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sevadental Dr. Nimisha Somaiya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimishasomaiya/

About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani

Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw

Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com

In this episode, let's dive deep into a topic that could revolutionize your nightly routine—sleep genetics. 🧬😴

You've heard the usual sleep tips: skip the caffeine, stick to a routine, cut down screen time... but what if the real secret to better sleep is already inside you?

Let's break down: - How your genes influence your circadian rhythm - What your chronotype says about your natural sleep patterns - The surprising genetic links to sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea - Why personalized, DNA-based sleep insights are the future of sleep health - Practical steps to align your lifestyle with your biological blueprint

Whether you're a night owl who can't fall asleep before midnight or an early bird who thrives at sunrise, this episode helps you understand your unique sleep design—and how to work with it, not against it.

About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani

Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw

Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com

What happens when a general dentist becomes passionate about aligner therapy and sleep medicine? In this inspiring and eye-opening episode, Dr. Meghna Dassani welcomes Dr. Meenal Patel—friend, colleague, and fellow dental sleep advocate—to the Healthy Sleep Revolution Podcast.

Dr. Meenal shares her journey from dental school to building a thriving private practice in Cary, North Carolina, with a strong emphasis on total patient wellness. Learn how she's using advanced technology, aligner therapy, and sleep-disordered breathing screenings to uncover the hidden signs of airway issues—and change lives.

From investing in an iTero scanner to implementing home sleep tests, Dr. Meenal walks us through how she seamlessly blends aesthetics and function while empowering patients with knowledge. Whether you're a provider or a patient, this conversation will open your eyes to how much your smile and your sleep are connected.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How Dr. Meenal Patel began integrating Invisalign and sleep apnea treatment into her general dental practice

• The role of technology (like the iTero scanner and CBCT) in uncovering airway issues

• How to recognize red flags for sleep-disordered breathing during routine dental exams

• What the patient journey looks like—from crooked teeth to improved sleep

• Why education and awareness are game-changers for both adults and children

• How Dr. Meenal is gently introducing airway conversations into everyday dentistry

• The importance of connecting the dots between oral health and whole-body health

About Dr. Meenal Patel

Dr. Meenal Patel graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Nutritional Sciences at the University of Florida. She went on to earn her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She completed her post-graduate training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency program.

Highly regarded as a cosmetic clinician, she has advanced training in cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, adult and children's sleep apnea, and dental implantology with additional certifications in Invisalign and laser dentistry. She has been awarded the prestigious Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) as well as Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI), the International Congress of Dentists (ICD) and the American Academy of Clear Aligners (AACA). She has also been appointed for the Pierre Fauchard Academy - a very exclusive invitation. Dr. Patel also serves as an adjunct faculty member at UNC Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. She has served as Fourth District President for the North Carolina Dental Society, Raleigh Wake County Dental Society, Vice Chair for the Council on Membership with the American Dental Association, and

Study Club Leader for NC with the American Academy of Clear Aligners, for which she also serves on the board. Dr. Patel was named Triangle Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 just a couple years ago. She has been the owner and founder of her award-winning practice in Cary, NC for nearly a decade. Prior to this, Dr. Patel was an associate dentist for a group practice in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Patel has enjoyed owning and growing her practice, Preston Dental Loft, a premier family and cosmetic practice. She has a particular interest in helping people grow their confidence through their smile; offering Invisalign to her patients has helped her achieve this in a big way. She is one of the only general dentists in the area as a Platinum Plus Invisalign provider! Dr. Patel is committed to enhancing her patients' confidence through personalized care and innovative solutions; she believes that your oral health is directly related to your overall wellness as a human!

Connect with Dr. Meenal Patel Website: https://www.prestondentalloft.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prestondentalloft/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prestondentalloft

About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sirisha Bhandaru to explore the fascinating connection between oral health and sleep-disordered breathing. From jaw structure to teeth grinding, the mouth holds valuable clues about sleep apnea—clues that could lead to life-changing diagnoses.

Dr. Bhandaru shares her expertise on how dentists play a crucial role in identifying sleep issues, what warning signs patients should be aware of, and how early intervention can improve overall health. Whether you're a dental professional or someone struggling with sleep, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

✅ The link between dental health and sleep apnea ✅ Signs in the mouth that could indicate a sleep disorder ✅ How dentists can help detect and address sleep apnea ✅ The impact of untreated sleep apnea on overall health ✅ Practical steps for better sleep and airway health

🔗 Tune in now to learn how your dentist could help uncover hidden sleep issues!

📢 Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

About Dr. Sirisha Bhandaru

Dr. Sirisha Bhandaru is a skilled general dentist and the founder of Carrollton Smiles in Carrollton, TX. She provides comprehensive dental care, including cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and advanced procedures like LANAP® and dental implants, serving patients from Carrollton and surrounding Texas communities.

Dr. Bhandaru earned her Bachelor's in Dental Surgery from Gulbarga University in India, ranking fourth in her class. She later completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating with honors and receiving the "Best International Dentist" award.

As a dedicated professional, she is a proud member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the Texas Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Orthodontic Society. Connect with Dr. Sirisha Bhandaru

Website: https://carrollton-smiles.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carrolltonsmiles/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrolltonsmiles/

About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani

Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw

Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com

Did you know your dentist could be the key to better sleep? 😴🦷

In this episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani sits down with Dr. Deepthy Thomas, DDS—sleep and airway therapist and owner of Reflections Dental Spa—to explore the critical role dentists play in identifying and addressing sleep-related issues.

Topics Discussed: 🦷 The Role of Dentists in Sleep Health – Why dental professionals are often the first to spot airway issues and sleep-disordered breathing. 🌬️ Sleep & Airway Therapy – How a holistic approach to oral health can improve sleep quality. 👃 Nasal Breathing – The importance of breathing through the nose for overall health and better sleep. 👅 Tongue Posture – How the position of the tongue affects breathing, jaw development, and sleep.

Many sleep issues start in the mouth, and dentists are in a unique position to detect and treat them early. If you're struggling with poor sleep or are a provider looking to expand your knowledge, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

🎧 Tune in now to learn how dentistry is shaping the future of sleep health!

About Dr. Deepthy Thomas

Dr. Deepthy Thomas, DDS, is a sleep and airway therapist and the owner of Reflections Dental Spa. A graduate of the University of Southern California Goldman School of Dentistry, she specializes in an ortho-restorative, airway-focused approach, addressing orthodontic, sleep, and TMJ issues.

A passionate advocate for patient education, Dr. Thomas believes in empowering individuals through knowledge and personalized care. She has completed advanced training in sleep and airway therapy, including the UCLA Sleep Continuum Program, TMJ and sleep therapy with Dr. Olmos, and a pediatric airway mini-residency with Dr. Audrey Yoon. She is an Invisalign Diamond Provider, a CNL Provider of the Year 2024, and a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM).

Dedicated to transforming lives through better sleep and airway health, Dr. Thomas continues to expand her expertise, ensuring her patients receive the highest level of care.

Connect with Dr. Deepthy Thomas Website: https://reflectionsdentalspa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflectionsdentalspa/

About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani

Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw

Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com

The way we breathe, chew, and swallow plays a bigger role in our overall health than most people realize. Myofunctional therapy is at the forefront of transforming how we approach airway health, sleep, and dental care.

In this episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani sits down with Karese Laguerre—myofunctional therapist, author, and founder of The Myo Spot—to explore the growing impact of myofunctional therapy in dentistry and healthcare.

Topics Discussed: 🦷 What is myofunctional therapy? How it supports breathing, oral function, and sleep. 🤝 The crucial collaboration between myofunctional therapists and dentists. Why working together leads to better patient outcomes. 👀 Common signs providers often miss during exams and screenings—and how to spot them. 📚 How healthcare providers can learn more about integrating myofunctional therapy into their practice.

If you're a provider looking to expand your knowledge or a patient curious about how myofunctional therapy can improve sleep and health, this episode is packed with expert insights you won't want to miss!

🎧 Tune in now to discover how small changes in oral function can have a big impact on overall well-being.

About Karese Laguerre Karese Laguerre is a certified myofunctional therapist, author, and the founder of The Myo Spot, where she helps patients improve breathing, sleep, and overall health through myofunctional therapy. Passionate about bridging the gap between oral function and whole-body wellness, Karese works closely with healthcare professionals to address airway disorders, tongue posture, and sleep-related issues. She is dedicated to empowering both patients and providers with the knowledge and tools to optimize health through better breathing and oral function.

For General Public

Website: www.themyospot.com

Blog: www.airwaymatters.blog

Book: https://a.co/d/0a1FV55

Social Media (FB, IG, TT): @themyospot

For Providers:

Website: www.myopathway.com

Dentist's Guide to Myo: https://bit.ly/myoguide About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani

Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw

Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com

Your environment plays a huge role in how well you sleep. From the glow of your bedside lamp to the temperature of your room, every detail can either help or hinder your rest. In this episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, we're breaking down the science of creating the ultimate sleep-friendly space.

We explore the three pillars of environmental design that impact your sleep: Light: How to use light to support your body's natural sleep-wake cycle and avoid disrupting your circadian rhythm. Temperature: Why the perfect room temperature is essential for falling—and staying—asleep. Sound: The importance of noise control and how to use soundscapes to improve sleep quality.

Whether you're struggling with restless nights or just looking to level up your sleep game, these practical tips will help you transform your space into a sanctuary for rest.

Tune in to learn how small changes to your environment can lead to big improvements in your sleep—and your overall well-being.

Listen now to create an environment that works for you, not against you!

About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani

Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw

Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com

Did you know your sleep patterns are written in your DNA? 🧬✨ In this fascinating episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, we explore how your unique genetic makeup shapes your sleep habits, needs, and even your vulnerabilities to sleep disorders.

Your genes hold the key to understanding why some people thrive on 6 hours of sleep while others need 9, or why falling asleep at a certain time feels natural. Join us as we uncover:

• The connection between your genetics and your sleep-wake cycles.
• How genetic predispositions impact your risk for sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea.
• The role of chronotypes and inherited sleep traits in designing your ideal sleep schedule.
• How emerging research is helping create personalized sleep plans tailored to your biology.

Understanding your genetic blueprint for sleep is the first step to unlocking better rest, better health, and a better you. Tune in and discover how your DNA influences the way you recharge every night!

About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani

Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw

Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com

Your body has its own clock, and knowing how it works can change everything. In this episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, we're diving into the science of chronotypes—the unique biological clock that determines when you feel most alert or sleepy.

Understanding your chronotype isn't just a fun personality trait; it's a game-changer for productivity, health, and overall well-being. Tune in as we explore:

• The four chronotypes and how they influence your daily energy patterns.
• Why working with your chronotype can improve sleep, focus, and even relationships.
• How mismatched schedules and societal norms can disrupt your natural rhythm.
• Practical tips to align your life with your chronotype and maximize your potential.

This episode is your guide to harnessing your body's internal clock to work smarter, sleep better, and live more in sync with your natural flow.

Discover how knowing your chronotype can transform the way you sleep, work, and thrive—because when it comes to health, timing is everything!

About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani

Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw

Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com

Sleep affects everything and everyone. Sleep isn't just a personal health choice—it's a cornerstone of public health and societal well-being. In this eye-opening episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, we connect the dots between the science of sleep and its profound impact on everything from individual health to healthcare systems and society as a whole.

We'll explore:

• How sleep disordered breathing, like sleep apnea, is transforming our understanding of chronic health conditions.
• The surprising ways sleep research is influencing health guidelines and shaping public wellness initiatives.
• Why better sleep habits could reduce the strain on healthcare systems and improve societal productivity.
• Practical steps you can take to prioritize sleep and advocate for healthier communities.

The science of sleep isn't just about getting enough rest—it's about reshaping how we think, act, and build healthier systems for everyone. This episode is packed with insights into the ripple effects of sleep, proving that every night of quality rest counts.

Tune in and discover how understanding sleep can help you, your community, and the world thrive.

About Meghna Dassani

Dr. Meghna Dassani is passionate about promoting healthy sleep through dental practices. In following the ADA's 2017 guideline on sleep apnea screening and treatment, she has helped many children and adults improve their sleep, their breathing, and their lives. Her books and seminars help parents and practitioners understand the essential roles of the tongue, palate, and jaw in promoting healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Meghna Dassani

Website: https://www.meghnadassani.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healthysleeprevolution

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthysleeprevolution/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Lh_n7xmbhQVPGQrSjBIrw

Get a copy of Airway is Life: https://www.airwayislife.com