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:
Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and share. Subscribe for more insightful conversations on health, wellness, and proactive living.
What is The DOC Podcast?
The DOC Podcast brings you unique educational content taught by Dr. Mike DeLuke, a Board Certified Orthodontist with over 20 years of clinical and academic experience. Dr. DeLuke built his orthodontic practice from scratch in the early 2000s and grew it into a multimillion-dollar enterprise in less than 10 years. He was able to retire from private practice at the age of 46 years old, and now devotes his energy to teaching his colleagues how to succeed both personally and professionally.
Dr. DeLuke has served as a faculty member at numerous hospitals and orthodontic residency programs around the country, including as the cleft craniofacial orthodontist at Albany Medical Center in New York, and as a clinical professor at The University of Connecticut in the Department of Orthodontics. He is presently an adjunct professor at Nova Southeastern University in the Department of Orthodontics.
The DOC Podcast will bring you in-depth discussions and interviews with industry leaders and experts on a variety of topics including clinical excellence, practice management, finance and wealth creation, health and wellness, taxes and accounting, fitness, and much more!