Episode Summary:
In this episode, I welcome neurologist Dr. Stasha Gominak for a deep dive into the critical, but often misunderstood, role of sleep, sunlight, and vitamins in our overall health. Dr. Gominak shares her journey from traditional neurology to a holistic, proactive approach that addresses the root causes of chronic health issues, especially those related to sleep.

Key Topics & Highlights:
The Sleep Crisis:

• How modern lifestyles and reduced sun exposure contribute to poor sleep.
• The epidemic of sleep disorders, especially among young, otherwise healthy women.
• The limitations of traditional sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment.

Vitamin D, B12, and the Microbiome:

• Dr. Gominak’s research linking vitamin D deficiency to sleep problems and chronic headaches.
• The importance of B vitamins, especially B12 and B5, and their connection to the gut microbiome.
• How supplementation and sun exposure can restore sleep quality and overall health.

Holistic, Patient-Centered Care:

• Moving beyond “Medicine 2.0” to a more integrative, root-cause approach.
• The value of curiosity, patient partnership, and humility in healthcare.
• The parallels between medicine and dentistry in addressing airway and sleep issues.

Practical Takeaways:

• Why everyone should pay attention to their sleep quality, vitamin D levels, and gut health.
• The risks and benefits of supplementation—why “biohacking” isn’t always the answer for everyone.
• The importance of sunlight, outdoor activity, and a balanced approach to health.

Notable Quotes:

• “We are standing at the bedside while the body heals itself. Sleep is the power behind healing.”
• “Vitamin D is not just a nutrient—it’s a hormone, and its deficiency is at the root of many modern health problems.”
• “The patients have to be willing to take responsibility for their own health in order to do some of the things that you and I want to do.”

Connect & Learn More:

• Visit theorthocoach.com for CE courses and coaching with Dr. Mike.
• Join The DOC Community on Facebook for more great content and discussions (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Cb9rkQVde/)
• Contact Dr. Mike at drmike@theorthocoach.com to suggest guests or be a guest yourself!

Thank you for listening!
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