Daily Inspiration: Meet Pallavi Saraf

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pallavi Saraf. 

Hi Pallavi, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Originally from Georgia, I attended University of Colorado, where I studied Integrative Physiology, which explores how all the systems in our bodies are connected. I then attended dental school at the Medical University of South Carolina and moved up the coast to Wilmington, NC to work as a general dentist. While working, I noticed that many patients were presenting with similar symptoms-clenching, grinding, heart conditions, diabetes just to name a few! I started taking courses on how to help my patients get healthier and realized that many of these issues are related to Sleep Apnea. I began a deep dive into how Sleep Apnea is crucially related to overall health and how Oral Appliance Therapy can be an effective treatment option for mild/moderate obstructive sleep apnea. 

The more I learned, the more I realized just how many people Sleep Apnea affects. Did you know 90% of people who have Sleep Apnea are undiagnosed and don’t realize they have it? I also realized that many are just given CPAP as the only option to manage their condition and are unaware that other options can help them. 

I started my practice Magnolia Sleep Solutions to educate patients on the relationship of Sleep Apnea to their overall health and to present a portable, comfortable, custom-fit alternative option to a CPAP. I hope to better the wellness of my community and help the world realize just how important getting a good night’s rest is! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely been curvy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I never envisioned myself as a practice owner and have never owned a business before (let alone one that bills medical insurance!), so there were definitely many learning curves. Oral appliance therapy is a lesser-known alternative to a CPAP, so educating both physicians and patients has been a large undertaking. However, I have a great team, and we are all committed to the success of our treatment and our patient’s health. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Magnolia Sleep Solutions is all about properly diagnosing and treating snoring and Sleep Apnea! We offer a custom-fit alternative to a CPAP that is called Oral Appliance Therapy or Mandibular Advancement Device. We strive to make our treatment options affordable to our patients by filing medical insurance and offering payment plans. We are very proud to be Wilmington’s Oral Appliance Therapy provider and are working hard to help educate the general public on the importance of Sleep Apnea and how it affects your overall health. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes! Our social media @magnoliasleepsolutions is regularly updated with tips and tricks about sleep. 

Books: Breathe by James Nestor. Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. The Breathing Cure by Patrick Mckeown 

Podcasts: Huberman Lab, The Matt Walker podcast, Breathe Better Sleep Better Live Better 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.magnoliasleepsolutions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magnoliasleepsolutions/