Episode 148: Revolutionizing Sleep Through Airway-Focused Dentistry with Dr. Nimisha Somaiya
Release Date: 05/05/2025
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 Raghavan—a 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_outlineHealthy Sleep Revolution
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...
info_outlineHealthy Sleep Revolution
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 -...
info_outlineHealthy 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 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...
info_outlineHealthy 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 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...
info_outlineHealthy Sleep Revolution
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...
info_outlineHealthy Sleep Revolution
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...
info_outlineHealthy Sleep Revolution
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....
info_outlineHealthy Sleep Revolution
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...
info_outlineHealthy Sleep Revolution
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...
info_outlineIn 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