Sleep

How Did You Sleep?

At least one out of three people cannot answer that question in the positive. We wake up groggy, have brain fog, and forget things. We barely make it through the afternoon work meeting, we worry about its effect on our health. Perhaps we begin to struggle with extreme lethargy or even depression. We dread the nighttime and are ashamed of how we cannot seem to fix our problem. 

You have read article after article on the importance of sleep hygiene and tried to change your habits; you may have purchased a weighted blanket or tried aromatherapy; perhaps you began an evening yoga routine; or even, out of desperation to get your life back on track, you asked your doctor for a prescription sleep-aid. Yet you still struggle and are tired of failing.

I understand the frustration and the shame and the desperation. As a licensed professional counselor with almost a decade of experience treating those who struggle with sleep, I use a different approach. We will work together on a focused sleep health program that is highly effective for a long-term, permanent change. 

What is My Approach?

In a nutshell: Teaching sleep health,
not fixing sleep disorders.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, following healthy sleep hygiene rules is not enough to solve a serious sleep problem. Even if it initially seems to “work,” it is easy to fall back into old habits. Often, new habits are then developed that may seem helpful, but they actually end up being yet another obstacle to true sleep health. The “sleep routine” can even become so elaborate and rigid that new anxieties arise over whether or not the routine will “work” or not! 

Let’s do things differently. Together, we will:

1.  Identify and break down those habits that are harming (and not helping) you. 

2.  Build a solid (and simple!) sleep routine.

3.  Explore how you can unwind intrusive thoughts and feelings before going to bed.

4.  Learn the science behind several factors that affect sleep:

  • Chrononutrition and food timing

  • Mindfulness meditation practices

  • Daytime activity patterns

  • Daily light exposure

  • Appropriate technology use

The key to changing our sleep health is not building an elaborate sleep routine and sticking with it. It is understanding how our bodies, brains and thoughts work together in processing our daytime environment. Once we understand how these various factors influence our ability to "shut down," we are able to ensure that our bodies get more sleep-friendly nutrition. 

Welcome to your journey to a healthier, more rested you.