Kathy interviews Dr. Michael Smith and Dagny Deutchman from Natura Health and Wellness in Missoula. This interview features a discussion on the neuroscience and physiology of sleep, highlighting its critical roles in memory consolidation, emotional processing, and the "glymphatic" clearing of brain toxins like amyloid beta proteins. The experts emphasize that sleep quality is inextricably linked to daytime habits—such as nutrition, movement, and social connection—and suggest that cultivating curiosity about our dreams can help regulate the nervous system and reduce sleep-related anxiety.

Dagny Deutchman is the owner and founder of The Art of Rest. They are a nervous system professional who works from a top down, and bottom up approach to the nervous system specializing in not only in stabilizing a nervous system through sleep, rest, and habit formation, but also how to access nervous system health through connection, creativity, wonder, and awe.

Dr. Smith received his medical training from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Before that, he completed a master’s degree in New York City where his research focused on epigenetics and neuroscience. Dr. Smith has previously filled roles in the biotechnology and medical devices sector and various community organizations. For more information about Dr. Smith, visit his personal page at www.drmichaelsmithnd.com.

For more information about Doctors White and Smith, and their practice at Natura Health and Wellness, visit www.natura.health

Special Guests: Dagney Deutchman and Michael Smith.

This episode of All Things Vegas features Dagny Deutschman and Dr. Michael Smith from Natura Health and Wellness in Missoula. They explore a holistic approach to sleep for helping professionals. They define sleep as a "slow to form vital sign" that requires curiosity and compassion rather than judgment, noting that patterns emerge over weeks rather than single nights. The discussion highlights how seasonal light changes—particularly at the 45th parallel—impact hormonal balances. A key focus is the "chronotype," or the biological preference for morning or night activity, Finally, they address Seasonal Affective Disorder by reframing winter as a "hermit time" for introspection, art, and even exploring dream content.

Dagny Deutchman is the owner and founder of The Art of Rest. They are a nervous system professional who works from a top down, and bottom up approach to the nervous system specializing in not only in stabilizing a nervous system through sleep, rest, and habit formation, but also how to access nervous system health through connection, creativity, wonder, and awe.

Dr. Smith received his medical training from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Before that, he completed a master’s degree in New York City where his research focused on epigenetics and neuroscience. Dr. Smith has previously filled roles in the biotechnology and medical devices sector and various community organizations. For more information about Dr. Smith, visit his personal page at www.drmichaelsmithnd.com.

For more information about Doctors White and Smith, and their practice at Natura Health and Wellness, visit www.natura.health

Special Guests: Dagney Deutchman and Michael Smith.

In this episode, Kathy interviews Doctors Christine White and Michael Smith from Natura Health and Wellness in Missoula. They discuss self-care strategies for the winter and holiday season. Key points include the importance of aligning with the natural cycles of the seasons, managing blood sugar and stress levels through mindful eating, and the role of herbs and supplements in supporting immune health. They offer practical tips, such as eating seasonally, incorporating warming spices, and ensuring adequate vitamin D and C intake. The conversation also touches on managing emotional eating and addressing seasonal affective disorder with light therapy and gentle morning routines. The value of small, consistent efforts towards self-care and the mind-body connection in overall well-being is emphasized.

Dr. Smith received his medical training from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Before that, he completed a master’s degree in New York City where his research focused on epigenetics and neuroscience. Dr. Smith has previously filled roles in the biotechnology and medical devices sector and various community organizations. For more information about Dr. Smith, visit his personal page at www.drmichaelsmithnd.com.

Dr. Christine White, a seasoned naturopathic doctor who has been practicing in Montana since 2002. With a background in family medicine from the National University of Natural Medicine, Dr. White brings a wealth of experience in complex case management, including chronic infections, gastrointestinal issues, hormone balancing, and Long-COVID treatment. She is a founding partner at Natura Health & Wellness Clinic in Missoula MT, where their mission is to educate, empower, and activate patients toward sustainable health improvements, grounded in a holistic, whole-person approach.

For more information about Doctors White and Smith, and their practice at Natura Health and Wellness, visit www.natura.health

Special Guests: Dr. Christine White and Michael Smith.