Episode 144: How Dentistry is Transforming Sleep with Dr. Deepthy Thomas
Release Date: 02/25/2025
Episode 154: What Dentists Are Missing About Sleep, Pain, and the Airway with Dr. Mayoor Patel
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In this episode of Healthy Sleep Revolution, weâre joined by Dr. Mayoor Patel, DDS, MS, a leading expert in dental sleep medicine and co-editor of Dental Sleep Medicine: A Clinical Guide, a comprehensive textbook used by clinicians to understand the intersection of dentistry and sleep medicine. Dr. Patel has spent decades focused on TMJ disorders, orofacial pain, and sleep-disordered breathing, bringing a depth of clinical experience and academic insight that challenges how many dental and sleep practices currently operate. We discuss the significant gaps that exist between traditional...
info_outline
Episode 153: Weight, Metabolism & Breathing: Myth vs Reality
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In this episode of Healthy Sleep Revolution, we challenge one of the most common misconceptions in sleep medicine: that weight loss alone can resolve sleep apnea. We explain why this belief is scientifically incomplete and often leads to frustration and self-blame for patients. Many individuals with sleep apnea are not obese, including children, athletes, and women undergoing hormonal changes, which highlights that body weight is not the primary driver of disordered breathing during sleep. We break down the critical role of airway anatomy and physiology, including jaw position, palate...
info_outline
Episode 152: Kids, Screens & Sleep â Are We Overlooking the Airway?
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In this episode, we dive into a conversation every parent, teacher, and clinician needs to hear: how screens, posture, mouth breathing, and airway development are all deeply connected. While most discussions focus on blue light and screen limits, we explore how modern tech habits are quietly reshaping childrenâs facial growth and long-term sleep health. We break down how forward head posture and constant downward gazing narrow the airway, encourage mouth breathing, and interfere with deep, restorative sleep. We also explain how poor tongue posture and underdeveloped palates contribute to...
info_outline
Episode 151: How Screens Secretly Sabotage Your Sleep & Airway Health
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In this episode of the Healthy Sleep Revolution Podcast, Dr. Meghna Dassani breaks down one of the biggest, and most overlooked, disruptors of modern sleep: screens. We all know we should put our phones away before bed, but few people understand why it matters so much. Dr. Dassani explains how blue light, digital overstimulation, notifications, and nighttime scrolling impact melatonin, cortisol, airway stability, and your nervous systemâs ability to shift into deep, restorative sleep. Youâll learn: How blue light signals your brain that itâs daytime Why melatonin drops and cortisol...
info_outline
Episode 150: Redefining Dentistry: Airway, Sleep, and Whole-Patient Care with Dr. Sofya Kats
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In todayâs episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Sofya Kats, a Milwaukee-based general dentist whose practice takes a whole-patient approach to health. From infants to older adults, she focuses on airway, sleep, growth, and function â because the mouth is more than teeth; itâs the gateway to lifelong health. This conversation has been months in the making, and it was so worth the wait. Dr. Sofya and I explore how early oral function, feeding, and nasal breathing shape a childâs development â and how airway issues continue to affect adults who may not even realize they're...
info_outline
Episode 149: The Future of Sleep Medicine with Dr. Aarthi Raghavan
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In this empowering and eye-opening episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani is joined by the passionate and insightful Dr. Aarthi Raghavanâa trailblazing dentist who is redefining what it means to provide whole-patient care. Together, they dive into the exciting innovations transforming the sleep and airway space, from cutting-edge tech to collaborative care models that center patient wellbeing. With warmth, wisdom, and real-world experience, Dr. Raghavan shares how her practice blends clinical excellence with education and empathy to improve sleep health, especially for...
info_outline
Episode 148: Revolutionizing Sleep Through Airway-Focused Dentistry with Dr. Nimisha Somaiya
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In todayâs 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 healthâbut is now changing the lives of her patients as well. This isnât just a conversation about straight teethâitâs about functional dentistry and how something as seemingly...
info_outline
Episode 147: How DNA Shapes The Way You Sleep
Healthy Sleep Revolution
In this episode, let's dive deep into a topic that could revolutionize your nightly routineâsleep genetics. đ§Źđ´ Youâve 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 -...
info_outline
Episode 146: How Aligner Therapy Impacts Airway Health with Dr. Meenal Patel
Healthy Sleep Revolution
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 Patelâfriend, colleague, and fellow dental sleep advocateâto 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 sheâs using advanced technology, aligner therapy, and sleep-disordered breathing screenings to uncover the hidden signs of airway issuesâand...
info_outline
Episode 145: Beyond the Bite: Sleep Apnea Signs in Dentistry with Dr. Sirisha Bhandaru
Healthy Sleep Revolution
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 apneaâclues 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 youâre a dental professional or someone struggling with sleep, this episode is packed with insights you...
info_outlineDid you know your dentist could be the key to better sleep? đ´đŚˇ
In this episode of The Healthy Sleep Revolution, Dr. Meghna Dassani sits down with Dr. Deepthy Thomas, DDSâsleep and airway therapist and owner of Reflections Dental Spaâto explore the critical role dentists play in identifying and addressing sleep-related issues.
Topics Discussed:
𦷠The Role of Dentists in Sleep Health â Why dental professionals are often the first to spot airway issues and sleep-disordered breathing.
đŹď¸ Sleep & Airway Therapy â How a holistic approach to oral health can improve sleep quality.
đ Nasal Breathing â The importance of breathing through the nose for overall health and better sleep.
đ
Tongue Posture â 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 wonât want to miss!
đ§ 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 ADAâs 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