Welcome to NJDSMC!
I am Dr. Sunita Merriman.
I graduated with honors from New York University, College of Dentistry in 1994. My career as a clinician in private practice has now spanned three decades during which I earned Diplomate status with both the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine and the American Board of Craniofacial Sleep Medicine, a distinction awarded to less than 1% of dentists in the US.
I founded the New Jersey Dental Sleep Medicine Center in Westfield, New Jersey with the understanding that sleep is the driver of our overall mind-body health, wellbeing, healthy longevity and ability to thrive.
Years ago, I learned firsthand how the lack of restful sleep devastates the body and mind. That is what motivated me to pursue an advanced education in Sleep Medicine.
At NJDSMC, my team and I deeply understand the importance of balancing physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and have made it our mission to provide care to our patients so they can achieve such holistic balance.
We recognize that credentials and competence must be complemented with empathy and compassion to provide high quality care that engages our patients and creates a strong partnership with them. We see how lack of sleep compromises not only the health, energy, and quality of life of our patients, but that of their spouse/ bed partner as well.
The team at NJDSMC is carefully chosen and participates in continuing education and training to fully embrace the ever-evolving complexities of the impact of sleep apnea on our patients. We understand how medical comorbidities and mental health impacts the severity of sleep disorders, and vice versa. We collaborate with our patients' health teams to achieve the best results for our patients.
We also know that sleep disturbances precede, accompany, or follow psychiatric symptoms across a wide spectrum of psychiatric disorders and trauma. Additionally, medications used to treat psychiatric conditions can lead to sleep disturbances. There is no separation between the mind and the body.
If you are looking to make an investment in a wellness alliance to successfully achieve optimal health, we invite you to come experience the difference at NJDSMC. Sleep is essential for living your best life. We believe our patients are worth it, deserve it, and are entitled to it!
At NJDSMC, we provide
Oral Medical Device Therapy for Sleep Apnea, Snoring, and CPAP Refusal and Intolerance
Integrative, Trauma Informed, Holistic, and Patient Centered Care
A Sleep Prioritizing Culture of Self Care
*Please note: Dr. Merriman is no longer treating patients at NJDSMC as of June, 2024*
“I made the difficult decision to discontinue my involvement in sleep medicine as a provider of treatment for sleep apnea at NJDSMC so I can devote more time to forwarding my mission of helping others who suffer from trauma, through my poetry, writing, blog and impact wellness brand called ‘The Way Back Home’ . I hope to continue contributing to the field of sleep medicine in some way in the future, but for now I want to take this opportunity to thank my team, patients, referring physicians and those who were a vital support system for me during all the years I had the privilege of practicing at NJDSMC. And, last, but not the least, I want to express deep gratitude for my family who has always given me their unconditional support.” - Dr. Merriman
FAQs (for patients who were treated at NJDSMC)
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A- As soon as possible. Optimally within 7 days of receiving this notice of Dr. Merriman’s retirement as a clinician at NJDSMC which will be effective July 1st, 2024.
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A-Let them know that your current Dental Sleep Medicine (DSM) specialist, Dr. Merriman has retired and has instructed you to ask them to give you their top choices of other such professionals to continue your care with. They usually have a list of DSM specialists who they recommend. Once you get that list, choose the board -certified dentist that suits your needs the best.
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A-Dr. Merriman has no such plan at this time, or in the foreseeable future.
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A- Firstly, because sleep apnea is complex and potentially dangerous medical condition which can change in its severity and risk to your health. You need to be regularly monitored by medical professionals, including your DSM specialist regularly for that reason. Secondly, the appliance will need to be replaced after 3-5 years on an average due to constant nightly use. Your DSM professional will be seeing you annually to check your appliance, review your medical history and get updates on your ability to tolerate and utilize your oral appliance. Thirdly, your dental conditions may change in the future necessitating dental treatment from your general dentist. Your appliance will need repairs or extensive dental treatment may be an indication for a new appliance. Your general dentist, unless they are trained to treat sleep apnea with oral appliance therapy is not qualified to do that for you. A dental sleep medicine board certified dentist is the best professional to do that for you.
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A-Whatever your referring medical professional deems necessary. Your sleep apnea records are all located at your originating office. That may have been your sleep specialist, primary care physician, ENT, pulmonologist, cardiologist, or any other specialist who diagnosed you with sleep apnea and then referred you to NJDSMC/Dr. Merriman for Oral Appliance Therapy. They will provide your new DSM specialist with any records necessary for treatment
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A- Dr. Merriman made the difficult decision to discontinue her involvement in sleep medicine as a provider of treatment for sleep apnea at NJDSMC so she can devote more time to forwarding her mission of helping others who suffer from trauma, through her poetry, writing and impact wellness brand called TWBH, The Way Back Home.
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A-There are a variety of avenues through which you can stay abreast with Dr. Merriman’s writings and TWBH:
Through her website SunitaMerriman.com
Subscribing to her blog on Substack TWBH-Sunita’s Blog
Connecting with her on LinkedIn
Following her on Instagram at sunitapoetry and drsunitamerriman
Seek the advice of your doctor.
This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. No physician-patient relationship is created by this web site or its use. Neither NJDSMC and TWBH, nor its employees, nor any contributor to this web site, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
Read Dr. Merriman’s article in the December 2020 issue of Dental Sleep Medicine magazine, titled:
“ACE’s, Integrative Medicine, and the Mind Body Connection - Why Dental Sleep Practitioners Must Take a Seat at This Table”
Click HERE to be taken directly to the article.
Understanding a Complex, Potentially Dangerous and Debilitating Disorder
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common disorder in which you have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while you sleep. If the sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, breathing stops when tissue in the back of the throat collapses and blocks the airway, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to all of your organs — including your heart and brain. As a result, the quality of your sleep is poor, which makes you tired during the day. Sleep apnea is a leading cause of excessive daytime sleepiness and is linked to many medical conditions that have serious health consequences.
People with sleep apnea may snore loudly and stop breathing for short periods of time. When the blood-oxygen level drops low enough, the body momentarily wakes up. It can happen so fast that you may not be aware you woke up. This can happen hundreds of times a night, and you may wake up in the morning feeling fatigued.
Signs of Sleep Apnea:
Unintentionally falling asleep during the day
Sleep that is not refreshing
Fatigue-insomnia
Waking from sleep with a choking sound or gasping for breath
Loud snoring
Morning headaches and fatigue
Irritability and mood disorders
Depression
Decreased sex drive
Impaired concentration
Weight gain
Difficulty losing weight
Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Individuals who snore have been shown to have a higher incidence of sleep apnea.
Here are some tips for you,
http://sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits
If you have any of these symptoms, you might have sleep apnea. For many patients diagnosed with sleep apnea, an oral appliance is the therapy of choice. For others who have been prescribed CPAP therapy but are unwilling or unable to tolerate it, an oral appliance therapy (OAT) is the next option to consider.
50-70 million Americans
suffer from one or more sleep disorders. 18 million have obstructive sleep apnea.
Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) is indicated for you if:
You suffer from Primary Snoring or Mild to moderate OSA
You suffer from moderate to severe OSA and are intolerant of or refuse treatment with nasal CPAP
You are able to tolerate a nasal CPAP for a part of the night. OAT would be an option for the remainder of the night
You have been recommended a form of combination therapy
You prefer to use an OSA when you travel even though you can tolerate CPAP therapy
Now you can take advantage of a sleep disorder questionnaire at home and learn whether you need to see a sleep apnea professional. Click the button below to access the questionnaire.
Untreated, sleep apnea can:
Increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, obesity, and diabetes
Increase the risk of, or worsen, heart failure
Make arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs), or irregular heartbeats, more likely
Increase the chance of having work-related or driving accidents
Cause excessive daytime sleepiness
Contribute to memory loss
Hi,
It’s Dr. Merriman.
Thank you for visiting this Resource Center. I have personally curated the resources listed here. I hope you will check in as needed for yourself and will forward this information to your loved ones who can benefit from it. Also know that I do not have an affiliation, or commercial relationship with any of these resources. I do not benefit in any way by listing them here. I do so as an extension of my desire to help you live a healthier, happier, and more engaged life.
Sleep is the universal foundation of all pillars of Self Care and Wellness.
Some suggested resources for your sleep health, wellness, and healthy longevity
We understand how the mind body connection impacts our wellness and disease process. So, in addition to treating disease, we place emphasis and promote behavioral and lifestyle choices as a cornerstone for living a healthy, happy, and long life. We are pleased to bring to you an approach to your care that reflects what the emerging field of mind-body neuroscience is revealing about the mind body connection.
Dr. Merriman’s Blog: The Way Back Home
Videos by Dr. Merriman on our website:
-Dr. Merriman addresses – ‘What to Do if You are Struggling with Sleep?’
-Therapists Hour with Kristin Osborn and Dr. Sunita Merriman, an interview
A seminal article by Dr. Merriman
‘ACEs, Integrative Medicine, and the Mind Body Connection – Why Dental Sleep Practitioners Must Take a Seat at the Table.’
in Dental Sleep Practice, Winter 2020 edition.
SLEEP WELL
Dr. Merriman’s quarterly newsletter SLEEP WELL is now published as part of Dr. Merriman’s blog on Substack, The Way Back Home.
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA?
An excellent Review article in Nature and Science Osman AM, Carter SG, Carberry JC, Eckert DJ. Obstructive sleep apnea: current perspectives. Nat Sci Sleep. 2018 Jan 23;10:21-34. doi: 10.2147/NSS.S124657. PMID: 29416383; PMCID: PMC5789079.
Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5789079/pdf/nss-10-021.pdf
A Key Sleep Article ‘Sleep is essential to health: an American Academy of Sleep Medicine position statement’ in Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Vol. 17, No. 10 2119 October 1, 2021
A recent study on the impact of unhealthy behavioral risk factors on longevity- Behavioural risk factors and healthy life expectancy: evidence from two longitudinal studies of ageing in England and the US, Paola Zaninotto , Jenny Head & Andrew Steptoe
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-63843-6.pdf
Findings-The co-occurrence of unhealthy behavioral risk factors reduces considerably the number of remaining years of life expected to live without disability and without chronic conditions.
An excellent Journal- The Lancet, Health Longevity
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/home
Books
- ‘Why We Sleep- Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams’ by Matthew Walker, PhD
- ‘Breath- The New Science of a Lost Art’ by James Nestor
- ‘The Oxygen Advantage’ by Patrick McKeown
- ‘Close your Mouth- Buteyko Breathing Clinic Self Help Manual’ by Patrick McKeown
- ‘The Breathing Cure- Develop New Habits for a Healthier, Happier & Longer Life’ by Patrick McKeown
- ‘ Yoga Nidra: The Art of Transformational Sleep’ by Kamini Desai
Podcasts
Apps
-The Reveri App developed by Dr. David Spiegel
- The Whoop App, in-depth sleep monitoring along with overall health.
Sleep Hygiene
What is Sleep Hygiene and why is it important to practice it regularly
Our website has a link to AASM for healthy sleep tips.
Just go to our web site’s ‘What is Sleep Apnea’ page and scroll down to, ‘Here are some tips for you’
Another resource is ‘The Role of Sleep Hygiene in Promoting Public Health’: Sleep Med Rev. 2015 August; 22: 23–36. doi: 10.1016/j.smrv.2014.10.001.
http://sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/healthy-sleep-habits
A Tool Kit for Sleep
Some actionable information from The Huberman Lab can be found at https://hubermanlab.com/toolkit-for-sleep/
*IMPORTANT NOTICE- Always consult with your Physician before starting any new physical protocol, and/ or adding any nutritional supplements to your diet, including any over the counter and natural products .*
A Bedtime Routine and Calming Bedtime Rituals We enthusiastically believe in the power of smartly created bedtime routines, because they work. ‘One-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, according to the CDC. If you’re one of them, creating a bedtime routine is one of the easiest steps you can take to enjoy better sleep. Bedtime routines are a simple lifestyle change that can help your mind and body relax before bed’. - Sleep Foundation. This link will take you to an excellent article on the topic bedtime routines and help you curate one of your own taste and interests.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/bedtime-routine-for-adults
Expressive Journaling There is mounting evidence to support the benefits of journaling at bedtime. We actively encourage our patients to consider this practice. Try it. You may be surprised how well it helps you not only sleep better, but reduce ruminations, stress, problems, and worries that you take to bed with you. They all jump on to your pages once you write them down, and tend to stay there, leaving your body and mind more relaxed, and able to focus on getting some good quality shut eye.
Positional Therapy Positional therapy is an intervention that helps to keep the person on their side during sleep. Examples include something on the person’s back to stop them from rolling over (like a tennis ball), special pillows, or alarms that vibrate when the person rolls onto his or her back.
Integrative health aims for well-coordinated care among different providers and institutions by bringing conventional and complementary approaches together to care for the whole person.
Functional Medicine determines how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual.
Trauma-informed care shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” A trauma-informed approach to care acknowledges that health care organizations and care teams need to have a complete picture of a patient’s life situation — past and present — in order to provide effective health care services with a healing orientation. Trauma-informed care seeks to: Realize the widespread impact of trauma and understand paths for recovery; Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma in patients, families, and staff; Integrate knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and actively avoid re-traumatization.
Patient-centered care, addresses an individual’s specific health needs and desired health outcomes are the driving force behind all health care decisions and quality measurements. Patients are partners with their health care providers, and providers treat patients not only from a clinical perspective, but also from an emotional, mental, spiritual, social, and financial perspective.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Adverse childhood experiences are associated with adult sleep disorders.
A key article- Adverse childhood experiences are associated with adult sleep disorders: a systematic review; Kajeepeta, S., Gelaye, B., Jackson, C. L., & Williams, M. A. (2015). Adverse childhood experiences are associated with adult sleep disorders: a systematic review. Sleep medicine, 16(3), 320–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2014.12.013
To learn more about how ACEs can have a tremendous impact on future violence victimization and perpetration, and lifelong health and opportunity you can go to this Center of Disease (CDC) link.
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html
To learn more about the ACE Score, you may go to this link.
https://acestoohigh.com/got-your-ace-score/
Two-thirds of us have at least one ACE. The good news is that toxic stress is treatable. A consensus of scientific data demonstrates that early detection and intervention are associated with improved outcomes related to toxic stress.
I was referred to Dr. Merriman by my sleep doctor at Sleep For Life, Hillsboro, NJ. Having used a CPAP machine since 2003, it was causing dry mouth which resulted in severe gingivitis. Additionally, the CPAP was bothering my husband ( air, noises) . I was fitted with a sleep appliance which has changed both my sleep and my husband’s. It is so simple to insert and wear. No more tubing to tangle with and marks on my cheeks form the headgear. Additionally, when travelling the appliance fits in my purse.
I have only thanks to Dr. Merriman and her staff for guiding me on this journey. It has been a life changing experience.
Lori Riggs
Thank You very much for helping me through my tough time sleeping and saving my relationship at home. I will be telling all my friends and family about this great equipment for their loved ones.
Sean Murray
As the bed partner of someone who snores, I can attest that their using an oral appliance designed by Dr. Merriman has silenced the snoring, allowing each of us to get better nights’ rest. Thank you, Dr. Merriman, for improving our lives and allowing us to get the full night sleep we both need.
Husband of one of Dr. Merriman’s patients
I’ve been a patient of Dr. Merriman’s practice for about eight months. She and all the women in the practice are professional, warm and caring. It’s like going to see friends, and I look forward to my visits. I’ve never felt rushed, and all questions are addressed promptly. The office décor reflects the people who work there, and the tone is set by Dr. Merriman: Welcome, cozy, with a coffee bar at the ready. How appropriate it is that the practice is located in what once was a private home in Westfield.
I recommend Dr. Merriman and her team without reservation.
Susan C.
Dr. Merriman is an excellent and meticulous dentist. She is very helpful and courteous and did good work for me. Her staff is also very helpful and friendly. It was a pleasure to have Dr. Merriman treat me with the dental appliance for sleep apnea.
William Dearborn
For many years my wife would complain about my snoring with episodes of gasping for breath. Not only did this scare her to death, but it prevented her from ever having a full night’s sleep. Snoring never kept me up, because I couldn’t hear myself, however, to appease my wife, I tried nasal strips, a twice daily nasal irrigation treatment, and taking allergy medication throughout the year, regardless of the allergy season. These options resulted in minimal changes in snoring volume and episodes of gasping for breath. After a sleep study was performed, I was diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea. My wife and I met with my pulmonologist who felt I was not a candidate for a C-PAP machine, but thought I could benefit from, a less invasive, specially crafted dental appliance. I discussed this with my dentist who referred me to Dr. Merriman’s practice. Dr. Merriman preformed a thorough examination and reviewed the sleep study results. She was quite confident that a custom fitted dental appliance would resolve the obstructive sleep apnea and restore “peace in my home.” Dr. Merriman also predicted I would sleep more soundly with the appliance. The first night I wore the appliance, my wife couldn’t sleep, not because I was snoring, but because I was silent in my sleep. I have had the appliance for about 3 months and am sleeping soundly and silently and feel better rested when I wake up in the morning. Prior to wearing this dental appliance, I had not been aware that I had been sleeping restlessly, nor did I realize that I was experiencing obstructive sleep apnea. Now I am aware of just how much the quality of my sleep has improved and how much better I feel. My wife is sleeping soundly now too. I have benefitted from this dental appliance.
Dr. Merriman and her staff have taken the time to explain the entire process, answer all questions we have had. They worked tirelessly with the insurance company and been professional and caring. Dr. Merriman crafted and outstanding dental appliance. Life is good… what can I say!
Henry Salmon
I began my journey last year with Dr. Merriman and her staff and couldn’t be happier. I have mild sleep apnea which was affecting not only my sleep but that of my partner’s. Since getting my oral appliance, my symptoms have stopped completely and I’ve noticed more restful sleep. Dr. Merriman and her staff explained every step in this process and answered all my questions. Thank You!
Laura Healy
Dr. Merriman and her entire staff are exceptional. They are extremely professional, caring and supportive. They are truly a pleasure to visit.
Maria Bordas
After being diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and not looking forward to treatment with CPAP machines and masks. I needed an alternative treatment and decided to investigate Oral Appliance therapy.
During that investigation I discovered the excellent work being done by Dr. Sunita Merriman and her friendly, professional staff at the NJ Dental Sleep Medicine Center and I arranged for a complimentary consultation.
During the consultation Dr. Merriman explained thoroughly what she could do, how she would do it and what outcome I should expect if I wore my appliance nightly.
Now months later, I can say I wear my comfortable device every night, fall asleep quickly, no longer snore and wake more rested than before… and for that I Thank Dr. Merriman and her staff.
Thomas G. Dunn, Jr.
Having experienced a difficult time using a CPAP (4 mask fittings, constantly waking during the night), I was relieved to see that this appliance works. My sleep is uninterrupted, I experience more REM sleep and wake up more rested. The staff and Dr. Merriman are very helpful and supportive.
Diane Rodriguez
My experience with Dr. Merriman was very positive. I found her to be very knowledgeable and caring, patient and professional. She is highly skilled and experienced and imparts her knowledge in a way that is easily understood. Aydee and her staff are warm and welcoming. I highly recommend Dr. Sunita Merriman to anyone seeking her highly specialized area of dental sleep medicine.
Felicia Cryszczon
Incredibly Caring Doctor, who has been instrumental in helping me with my Snoring Issues. I can highly recommend Dr. Merriman’s services to anyone thinking about changing who they use as a dentist and if they are looking for help in the area of Sleep. Her team is incredible and you’ll feel at home in her office. Can’t say enough great things.
Shawn Glyn
News and Updates on Oral Appliance Therapy
Dr. Merriman’s Sleep Well newsletter, previously published seasonally, is now available as part of her Substack Blog - The Way Back Home.
Here are editions of the newsletter prior to the move to the blog:
SLEEP WELL 2023 Summer- Sleep Well Through Summer Fun and Travel and more
SLEEP WELL 2023 Spring -Men’s Libido, Sexual Health and Sleep Apnea, A Focus Issue
SLEEP WELL 2023 New Year- Goal, Plan, Action to Design the Life we Want
SLEEP WELL 2022 Fall- Women and Sleep, A Focus Issue
SLEEP WELL 2022 Spring- The Reimagined NJDSMC
SLEEP WELL 2021 Winter- Sleep is Essential to Health, Shedding some light on how and more
SLEEP WELL 2021 Fall- Fostering Trauma Informed Partnerships and more
SLEEP WELL 2021 Spring- Daylight Savings Time Tips and more
SLEEP WELL 2021 New Year- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Trauma- A Focus Issue
SLEEP WELL Winter 2020- Alcohol and Sleep Disruption, Holiday Tips, Gratitude and more
SLEEP WELL 2020 Fall- Sleep Apnea Severity Markers Vs Quality of Life Complaints and more
SLEEP WELL 2020 Summer - Video of COVID-19 Safety Plan of NJDSMC and more
SLEEP WELL 2020 Spring - Sleep and Stroke
SLEEP WELL 2019 Winter- Insomnia and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
SLEEP WELL 2019 Fall- Inaugural Issue of NJDSMC, Sleep Well
Building a bridge between dental sleep medicine and mental health, mind body integration, and trauma informed professionals.
Dr. Merriman sheds light on What to Do if You are Struggling with Sleep while being interviewed on 'Therapist's Hour' this October. (approx.7 minutes)
Click to view the full interview with Dr. Merriman and Kristin Osborn.
"ACEs, Integrative Medicine, and the Mind Body Connection - Why Dental Sleep Practitioners Must Take a Seat at the Table.”
Click to read Dr. Merriman's article, recently featured in Dental Sleep Medicine Magazine
