The document discusses the relationship between sleep, vitamins such as vitamin D and B12, and cardiovascular disease. It summarizes the author's findings that 9 out of 10 patients seen for daily headaches had abnormal sleep studies, and that treating underlying vitamin deficiencies through supplementation improved sleep and reduced symptoms for many patients. The author hypothesizes that vitamin D, which is a hormone rather than a vitamin, plays a key role in regulating sleep and other bodily functions through receptors in the brainstem and other areas.

1. Sleep, Vitamins and Cardiovascular Disease Dr. Stasha Gominak ETMC Neurologic Institute, 700 Olympic Plaza, 912 Tyler, TX (903) 596-3808 www.drgominak.com 1/14/2011

11. The Migraine “Brainstem Generator” is in the same area of the brainstem where we do timing and paralysis of sleep

17. Why does everyone and his brother seem to have Sleep Apnea? Did we make it up? Has it always been there or is it new? What’s causing it? Why is it more in “developed countries”?

19. I thought Sleep Apnea only happened to fat people

20. Does obesity cause sleep apnea or does sleep apnea cause obesity?

25. What’s happening here that’s goofing up my patients’ sleep? Periaquiductal gray

29. Vitamin D receptors concentrate in 3 brain areas; periaquiductal grey, lateral ventricles and pituitary/hypothalamus

31. In the 1970’s- 80’s Dr. Walter Stumpf “explained” what D hormone does

46. What does this D have to do with what I do in Cardiology?

66. Our healthy vitamin D future