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

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