A Neurologist’s View on Sleep with Dr. Stasha Gominak
In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Michael Bennett invites Dr. Stasha Gominak to discuss their shared passion for leveraging the body’s healing properties of sleep. Dr. Gominak shares her journey from being a neurologist to becoming a sleep coach, highlighting the unique relationships she discovered between sleep and overall health. She delves into how deficiencies in vitamin D and B, as well as the microbiome, affect sleep quality and suggests practical interventions. Dr. Gominak also discusses how sleep dentistry practitioners can integrate these concepts into their practices to improve patient outcomes. The episode concludes with Dr. Bennett and Dr. Gominak reflecting on the importance of patient-centered care and pushing through professional challenges to innovate in their respective fields.
01:11 Dr. Stasha Mak's Background
01:54 Transition from Neurology to Sleep Coaching
02:25 Insights from Sleep Dentists
04:56 The Importance of Human Connection in Medicine
06:06 Energy Coaches and Spiritual Connection
07:05 New Ideas in Medicine and Intention Setting
09:10 Challenges and Rewards of Sleep Coaching
11:24 Patient Stories and Discoveries in Sleep Medicine
12:26 Exploring Sleep Disorders and Treatments
16:18 The Role of Brain Chemistry in Sleep
25:52 Vitamin Deficiencies and Sleep
28:05 The Importance of Vitamin D
31:35 The Importance of Vitamin D in Hormonal Balance
32:31 The Pioneering Work of Walter Stump
37:05 The Impact of Vitamin D on Sleep and Immunity
39:08 Challenges in Vitamin D Research and Application
49:25 The Role of Microbiome and B Vitamins
56:34 Integrating Vitamin D and Microbiome Knowledge in Practice
01:06:14 Future Directions and Final Thoughts
If you found this episode valuable, share it with a colleague or friend who wants to breathe better, sleep deeper, and live healthier. Your support helps us expand the conversation around airway-focused care and whole-body wellness.
Together, we can move dentistry beyond the chair.
Michael Bennett, DDS, PhD
Board-Certified Dentist | Healthcare Professions Educator
Empowering total health through airway-focused dentistry
Advanced Dental Care – Dr. Bennett’s clinical practice and patient-centered services
Connect on LinkedIn – Join the movement for airway-first, total health dentistry
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