Friday, December 14, 2012

Holiday Health Tips, Holiday Survival Guide Part Two

Holiday Health Tips

1. Try to stay relaxed and maintain a positive outlook. While there are stressors, there is also much to be thankful for.

2. Be mindful of over commitment and overspending.

3. Balance work, home, and play.

4. Recreation and Social Connection: Plan fun activities with friends, family, partners and other loved ones. Attend a community event (theatre, music, lecture, etc.).

5. Get support: Having someone (family, friends, co-workers, sponsors, therapists, etc.) to talk to can really lighten the burden of the stress you feel.

6. Do something spiritual if that is important to you: Visit your place of worship. You may find comfort and perspective from your spiritual community.

7. Take care of your body:

8. Eat well and avoid alcohol or other drugs.

9. Exercise regularly & maintain a routine.

10. Make sure to get proper sleep.

11. Stay active: Volunteer or find another meaningful and satisfying activity in which to engage. Pick up an old hobby. Call an old friend. Bake cookies. Finish that home project you’ve been putting off.

12. If the holiday time is stressful for you and you want some extra support, you can always call of office at 240-274-5680 or email us at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com to set up an appointment to talk to one of our warm, caring therapists. Help is here.

Wishing you a Healthy, Happy Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year!

Holiday Survival Guide Part 1 of 2


The holiday season has nearly come and gone. All of a sudden, 2013 is right around the corner. For some, this time of year brings feelings of joy and gratitude. It can be a time of great celebration as well. For others, maybe even you or someone you love, this holiday season may be a source of great stress. So how is it that, during a time so full of wonder and love, some of us can feel more pain than pleasure?

Holiday Challenges

1. Holiday Cheer: Seeing others so happy during this of year time can make you feel pressured to be happy, which may be a challenging if that is not how you are really feeling. This might contribute to feelings of not being understood and depression. May be talking to someone could help.

2. Sending Cards & Gift Giving: Making the list, checking it twice, then shopping for, buying and wrapping the gifts can be exhausting. Also, finding the money to pay for the gifts can put a strain on your budget and your mind. This can be overwhelming and stressful so why not simplify this year?

3. Traveling & Time Off of Work: Between the high cost of transportation, large crowds, losing work hours, having to divide the holiday time with other co-workers, amongst other issues, the holiday season might be more stressful than you planned. Some of these things may increase your fear of travel and/or anxiety about your finances. You could think about celebrating the holidays at home this year or making one trip instead of many.

4. Emphasis on Food & Party: This can be particularly trying for many with eating issues or substance abuse issues. For example, being surrounded by large quantities of food and alcohol might make the temptation too great and the pressure to “be good” almost unbearable.  If you struggle with your eating or substance use, you can get support from loved ones by letting them know, or talking to a counselor can help.

5. Spending Time with Family: Finding a way to visit everyone can be overwhelming and nearly impossible. Sometimes being with family can resurrect unpleasant times or dysfunctional family dynamics. Often the most difficulty is in remembering the ones you’ve lost, causing you to experience great sadness or loneliness. You can plan and prepare for family time. You can enjoy what you have and when you have had enough, it is OK to say “no”.


Note that on any given day, the above challenges could be major stressors for just about anyone. So at the holidays, it is important to pay special attention to your health and wellness. Therefore, it is our hope that the tips in our next post to help to empower you to have the courage to change what is not working for you and embrace what is. 

If the holiday time is stressful for you and you want some extra support, you can always call of office at 240-274-5680 or email us at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com to set up an appointment to talk to one of our warm, caring therapists. Help is here.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Excellent Article for Moms

ISO mom friends -By Jennifer Kogan
Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 11/02/2012

<http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-parenting/post/iso-mom-friends/2012/10/30/7e55c180-1ed8-11e2-9746-908f727990d8_blog.html#license-7e55c180-1ed8-11e2-9746-908f727990d8>


The amount of time a woman spends with friends drops<http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/insights/uploads/940472.pdf/download/><http://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/insights/uploads/940472.pdf/download/>
significantly after she has children. Before kids, most of us worked, exercised, slept regularly, spent quality time with our mates and hung out with our friends whenever we felt like it. It was easy. It just happened.

Many people I know compare finding mom friends to the dating<http://www.girlsgonechild.net/2005/11/making-mom-friends.html><http://www.girlsgonechild.net/2005/11/making-mom-friends.html>
game. Moms are looking for company, but they are also yearning to meet a like-minded person who is experiencing the same things.

Why is it that this search sometimes feels more like a quest, and what can we do about it?

Some of your friends might not have kids, or have older children, so you feel out of step with them. It’s a lot to take in, and making new friends may feel a bit daunting. Signing up for a new moms group <http://www.pacemoms.org/>, <http://www.pacemoms.org/>aclass <http://musikids.com/> or checking out
your local park are good ways to start looking for friends at this stage.

As your kids grow, there are more built-in opportunities to meet other moms at school, on play dates or at extracurricular activities. But sometimes these experiences can feel empty or flat. It could be that you don’t have anything in common with the women you meet. It can also feel superficial or play like a flashback to high school where the popular girls reigned and you felt left out of the “in-crowd.”

To combat this situation, consider your own temperament and match your expectations with what is right for you. Maybe co-chairing the annual school auction isn’t for you. Instead, try smaller activities that speak to
your strengths and interests. You are more likely to meet someone there who clicks with you.

Contrary to what most of us expect, sometimes things get even more hectic when children are in middle and high school. Finding and making time for friendships to develop involves synchronizing your busy schedule with someone else’s.

Luckily, you can get out of the house alone when the kids are older, and make plans for a walk, coffee or movie date. The key is remembering to build this important time into your schedule as a recurring event and not just as a one-time happening.

The encouraging news about searching for mom friends is that it is a universal problem <http://thehappiestmom.com/2012/02/5-tough-love-principles-for-making-friends-with-other-moms/>
.<http://thehappiestmom.com/2012/02/5-tough-love-principles-for-making-friends-with-other-moms/>
The key is staying true to yourself and practicing patience and persistence.

Below are some tips on how and where to meet mom friends in our area:

— Sign up for Stroller Strides fitness classes<http://classes.strollerstrides.net/washingtondc/location/index.aspx> for moms with babies.

— Check out what is happening locally and attend events or classes with your child.<http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/search/q,docsPerPage_50,group_Events,sortSpecifier_Date,specialinterests_Kid%20Friendly.html>

— Join a local moms’ club. <http://momsclubdc.org/>

— Get to know your neighbors.

— Hang out at a local independent bookstore.<http://www.politics-prose.com/>

— Start a parent-child book club. <http://motherdaughterbookclub.com/>

— Put up a sign at your park or neighborhood coffee joint or post online on a community e-mail list <http://www.dcurbanmom.com/> that you want to start a play group.

— Volunteer with your child.

— Join a community/family yoga center. <http://www.lilomm.com/><http://theenterprisingmoms.com/>

— Walk regularly with a friend at a time when you are both free (even if that is at 6:30 a.m.).

— Join or start a Mother’s Self-Renewal Group<http://www.reneetrudeau.com/group/> for
mothers with children of all ages.

*Jennifer Kogan is a clinical social worker in Northwest Washington who works with parents.***
www.JenniferKogan.com

For more information or to get additional help/resources, call our office at 240-274-5680 or email me directly at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com.

Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper

Monday, October 1, 2012

Personal Growth Support Group Information

Are you feeling stuck and want to work out your issues?

Do you value self-reflection and want to find greater understanding of yourself?

Are you looking for support in changing your life for the better?

If you answered yes, consider participating our upcoming Personal Growth Support Group. A support group is a safe, protected environment where you can get help and support from others while you learn to make changes in your life. Discussing current and past issues and receiving feedback from the other group members can help you gain valuable perspective, problem solve your current issues and create lasting change. This group is for you if you are feeling stuck, who want more from life and/or your relationships and want to work on developing into the person you want to be.

Benefits

- You will be given an opportunity to gain valuable insight into your feelings, your motivations and your behaviors, get help with the issues you are struggling with and start to make changes in your life.

- The cost for each individual is significantly less that it would be to attend weekly therapy sessions (costing over $100 per week). Additionally, social support is a critical part of moving towards wellness. With group therapy you can learn about the roles you play in your life - without judgment from a spouse, family member or friend.

- Often when we help others, we help ourselves. By being honest with others and showing your true self, we often develop more insight, more understanding and more motivation to change all the while helping others learn about themselves.


Logistics

Date/Time: The new group will be starting soon and will most likely be meeting on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from 7:30-9pm with Lev Grotel, our therapist specializing in group therapy.

Location: We will be meeting at 849 Quince Orchard Blvd. Suite D. Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

Cost: The cost is usually $50/week for this group, however, due to these difficult economic times, we can reduced the rate to $35 per 90 minutes session based on need.

Contact Information: If you have any questions about the group or would like to set up your pre group interview to see if the group is a good fit for you and you are a good fit for the group, please call the office at 240-274-5680 or email Amy Hooper at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com. Visit www.HealingLLC.com for more information.


Wednesday, September 26, 2012

*Free Depression/Anxiety Screenings in October*

I wanted to take a minute to let you know about a couple of our exciting Fall events. This includes a free anxiety and depression screening and low-cost therapy group that I thought might be of interest to you. Please feel free to pass the information along to anyone who might be interested.

As you may know, depression and anxiety affects many people and often goes untreated. Each year, depressive disorders affect around 18.8 million American adults, that’s 9.5% of the US population over 18. However, due to stigma and other factors, less than 1/2 of those suffering actually seek treatment.

To help fight the stigma around depression and help identify the problem, Another Look at Healing, LLC is conducting free National Depression Screening Days in October. As part of the program, participants will have the opportunity to complete brief, anonymous screenings for depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Participants will be able to learn about the symptoms of depression, and how to help a friend or family member who may be at risk. Participants will also have the option of talking to a health care professional about any concerns they may have and they will receive multiple referrals to local treatment services.

Screenings will be offered from 9am to 9pm, Monday through Saturday, by appointment during the month of October. For more information about the screenings or to set up an appointment, contact Amy Hooper at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com or call the main office at 240-274-5680.

In addition to the free screenings, we also offer individual, couples and family therapy. We have added on lost-cost therapy group for individuals who want support working through their interpersonal difficulties, including, but not limited to, depression and anxiety. I have included a flyer for our upcoming Personal Growth Therapy Group, as well as details about our practice for your review.
I look forward to collaborating with you in the future!

Take Good Care,

Amy L. Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC
www.HealingLLC.com
AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com
240-274-5680

Friday, August 31, 2012

New Teen & Adult Therapists for Anxiety, Depression & Relationship Issues

Hello! We hope you are enjoying the beginning of Fall! We are excited to announce the addition of a two new therapists to our busy private therapy practice! We hope you will join us in welcoming Jill Gordon, LCSW and Simone Bramble, LCSW-C to our counseling and wellness center which offers day, evening and weekend hours and reasonable rates (including a sliding scale) to help make therapy accessible and available to anyone who is looking for individual, couples, family or group counseling during these difficult times. 

The focus of our practice is on identifying each client’s unique needs so we can create an individual treatment plan to promote healthier, happier living.

 

Jill Gordon, LCSW is enthusiastic, non judgmental and compassionate in her work with teens and adults. She believes in creating a validating, supportive, empowering environment and uses a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach to help her clients make practical changes in their lives in the following areas:
 Teen Issues:
   School Stress, Friends Issues, Parent/Child Issues, Depression/Anxiety, Self Esteem
Adult Issues:
   Depression, Anxiety, Work Related Issues, Stress Management, Relationship Issues, Communication,
   Interpersonal Problems, Life Transitions, Abuse & Trauma, Assertiveness Issues

                 

Simone Bramble, LCSW-C is caring and experienced in helping teens, adults and families. She uses a directive, strengths based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  approach to help guide clients with the following issues:
 Teen Issues:
   School Stress, Friends Issues, Parent/Child Issues, Depression/Anxiety, Self Esteem
Adult Issues:
   Depression, Anxiety & Stress, Work Related Issues, Anger Management, Relationship Issues
Couples/Family Issues:
   Communication, Interpersonal Problems, Fighting, Problematic Sexualized Behavior, Assertiveness Issues

As we continue to build our practice, we welcome any clients who you feel would be a good fit to work with one of us. We can be reached by calling the office at 240-274-5680 or by email to AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com.  For more information about the practice, or us please visit our website at www.HealingLLC.com.

Take Good Care,

Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC
AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com - Contact me with questions!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

More New Office Pictures!

Waiting Room

Like many people, we have recently been in a transitional period this spring. Not only are we getting settled in our new location where we have more therapy rooms, but we also have recently hired another new therapist, Simone Bramble, to join our team. Simone has created such strong connections with her clients that she is filling up quickly and we are hiring another therapist to join our team. Now we can help even more people find balance and happiness in their lives! Please check out our  website (www.HealingLLC.com) for more information about our practice, more pictures and stay tuned to our blog for more healthy living tips! Feel free to email me with any questions/comments to AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com.
Office for Individuals

Office for Couples & Families


Visit www.HealingLLC.com/location for details.









Wednesday, June 6, 2012

More Suggestions for Creating the New You This Summer

Below are a few more suggestions about how to move forward with your life and become the you, you want to be!

Get Rid of Your Old/Unhelpful Habits
So many of us have habits that are not helping us move forward. Some examples of these are wanting to live a healthier life but smoking cigarettes. Or, wanting to be more positive and optimistic but continuing to put yourself down and down play your uniqueness and specialness. Think about what old habits you want to eliminate this season.

Spring Cleaning!
Cleaning of the house, cleaning of the car or cleaning out your closets is common this time of year. Getting rid of old stuff that you never use can free you from some heavy weights you could be carrying around. Give away the things you do not use to someone who could really benefit from them. Giving to others is a great way to make you feel better about yourself. Unload the old and in with the new.

Plant Your Garden
Decorating your home with plants and trees will freshen up the look of your home and help to create a spring atmosphere all around you. More plants in your house means more oxygen. The more oxygen you have, the more clearly you will be able to think, breathing will be easier and cleaner air means healthier lungs.

Health Check Ups: Preventative Care
Sometimes we get caught up in our work and our daily routine and we completely forget about or ignore taking care of our health. We tend to think, unless something is bothering us, we do not have to see the doctor. It’s crucial to acknowledge that many illnesses and health problems cannot be sensed or identified by us in the early stages. That is why it is so important to get checked annually. Make a list of doctors that you need to see: primary care doctors, dentists for teeth cleaning, eye doctors, dermatologist for preventative skin check, women to see their OB-GYN and get their mammogram. Men should also see their primary care doctors and be sure to discuss if there is a need for a prostate exam.
Don’t forget! Get your mental health check up! One screening session with a counselor or therapist can be very helpful in preventative care by helping you build resilience or by giving you the support you need if you are struggling with depression, anxiety, or a difficult life transition.

Get Moving
Moving means living healthier and your energy flowing better through you body. Sign up for yoga classes, go dancing or visit your local gym. Cannot afford it? Try to use websites like livingsocial.com or groupon.com for amazing daily or monthly deals around your area. Various offers and deals can be provided not just for sport centers and dancing or yoga studios but also for good, healthy restaurants, salons, spas and other hot spots where you can treat yourself. Or if you are looking for free ways to get moving, go outside and enjoy the spring air with a nice walk alone or with a loved one or friend. You can also get out your bike, pump up the tires and go for a bike ride in a quiet neighborhood or park. Next time you have an errand to run close to home, try walking to the store and taking the time to enjoy the lovely spring weather, or walk on different streets in your neighborhood instead of jumping in the car to go a few blocks.

Eat Healthy
Try to figure our what types of foods your body needs and eat what makes your body feel good. You can really enjoy healthy eating and not consider it a burden if it gives you energy and boosts your mood. Experiment and try new recipes with different foods such as Quinoa (pronounced Ki-nwa), a plant bearing tasty seeds, because is not a grain, it has an added benefit of helping reduce inflammation, or try adding Bok Choy to your stir-fry, it is a popular Chinese vegetable.

Take Time for Yourself
Try to dedicate at least 20-30 minutes or even an hour each day to you. Relax, practice deep breathing, meditate, listen to your favorite music, take a few minutes to call or text your parents and friends and let them know how you are doing. Do not forget to remind yourself how great and unique you are and to be grateful for all the wonderful things in your life.

Moving Forward
Moving forward can be one of the most important parts of becoming who you want to be. It helps to forgive yourself and others so you can move along in your life and not be stuck in the past. Getting rid of old junk (includes past hurts, bad habits and so on) can be very rewarding and freeing. Forgiving and accepting yourself and forgiving the people who hurt you in the past is the best remedy for your emotional and mental health.

For more information, visit www.HealingLLC.com for details.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

A Sex Therapist's Tips for Relationships

Written By: Dr. Stephanie Buehler, Director, The Buehler Institute

"Never fear, Dr. Buehler is here!  Some prime ideas for keeping cool when things are too hot (and not in a good way).

1.  Learn anger management.  I don't know why this isn't really taught as a subject in school.  Everyone needs to know how to prevent becoming a personal flame thrower.  Here are some tips from Mayo Clinic.  Learn them and use them.

2.  Learn to contain problems.  Unless something is really, truly urgent, it's often best to hold back on criticism, even if you intend to be helpful.  Repeat criticism becomes nagging.  When your partner does something, tuck it away to talk about later, when you are both calm.  In fact, this morning a client resolved to put such things on their phone, then review them at the end of the week to see what was needed for discussion.  So whatever clever thing you are going to fling at your partner, zip it, tuck it away, and bring it up later.  Chances are that with time it won't seem so important, and the two of you really can come up with a solution or resolve to do better.

3.  Accept conflict.  There is no such thing as a conflict-free relationship.  Trust me, when couples tell me that there is no conflict, if they get me alone, it all comes out in a vent, like steam.  Keeping peace is not a good goal.  You need to learn how to communicate assertively and resolve conflict, not just sweep it under the rug.

Here are some steps for rational conflict resolution:
  • Identify the problem.  You may be arguing about two different things. (Not that that's ever happened in my household, don't think it has.) 
  • Create several solutions.  Do not criticize them.  Write them down.   
  • Reflect on the solutions.  Do not talk yet.  Just look at the list and see if any of the solutions is more apt to satisfy both parties.
  • Discuss the solutions.  If things start to get heated, take a break.  (See tips on anger management, above.)  Keep the discussion focused on resolving the conflict.
  • Agree on a solution.  Not "the perfect solution."  A solution.
  • Try the solution to see how it works.
  • Re-evaluate and adjust as needed.  Go back to the list of solutions if the solution you chose really didn't work.  

4.  Stay on your side of the line.  Respect your partner's individual opinion.  No put downs.  People may not agree but they still love one another.  The idea isn't to have your partner prove their love by allowing themselves to be won over.  The idea is to create a win-win relationship, at least as much as humanly possible.

5.  Sex.  Have some.  Even if you aren't feeling quite in the mood, it is a good idea to put aside conflict and make love, not war.  It will make you feel closer and can make the problem solving easier.  If you really aren't up to making love, then at least try a hug or a little humor to show that even though you are upset, you still love your partner. 

If your relationship is filled with constant conflict, something else is going on:  poor communication, painful feelings and resentment, or inability to understand what the point is of having a relationship at all.  That's when it's time to contact a professional.  Life is too short, isn't it, to fight all the time?"
I thought this was too good not to pass along. We have therapists in our practice who specialize in couples counseling and relationship issues. So, if you want help working on any of the above recommendations, call us today at 240-274-5680 or send me an email to AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com. Visit www.HealingLLC.com/cso for details.

Take Good Care,
Amy Hooper, LCSW-C, CEAP
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC

Monday, April 23, 2012

New Office Location!

Amy Hooper and Sara Rothleder's Office
Like many people, we have recently been in a transitional period. Our office has moved to a new location! Not only do have have more therapy rooms, but we also have recently hired another new therapist, Simone Bramble, to join our team. Now we can help even more people find balance and happiness in their lives! Please check out our website (www.HealingLLC.com) for more information about our practice, more pictures and stay tuned to our blog for more healthy living tips! Feel free to email me with any questions/comments to AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com.

Waiting Room
Lev Grotel and Simone Bramble's Office










Visit www.HealingLLC.com/location for details.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

12 Tips for Successful Sleep

Tips for better sleep - try out a few of these techniques and find out which ones work for you!

1. Turn off all electronics one hour before bedtime. This includes computer, TV’s and cell phones. The blue light from the LCD or laptop screen suppresses your body’s natural sleep chemical, Melatonin. Also, the action and engagement on the TV or computer makes your body’s daytime stress chemicals such as adrenaline spike making it difficult to sleep.
2. Establish a night time routine. The last 30-45 minutes before bed should be the same each night. Establishing a routine helps your body know what to expect when bedtime is approaching. This routine will cue your circadian, internal clock, to get ready for sleep.
3. Increase the amount of self-care and relaxation activities in your life. Make sure you are relaxing and taking care of yourself. That might be reading a good book, taking a warm bubble bath or doing some light stretching as you get ready for bed.
4. Exercise early in the day. Getting your heart rate up each day can help improve sleep at night. Try to avoid exercising a few hours before bed, and try to get your work out in the morning or early afternoon. Not only is exercise good for your mood because it boosts the feel good chemicals such as Seratonin, it also decreases stress. Exercising will help your body use its extra energy during the day so you don’t have to lie awake at night.
5. Avoid putting chemicals in your body, especially the chemicals that are stimulants or depressants. This includes alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and other drugs. You might think alcohol will help you sleep because it is a depressant, but while you might fall asleep faster, the quality of sleep is decreased as the alcohol metabolizes.
6. Create the perfect environment. Make sure the bedroom is dark at night, and let light in when morning comes. You may have to turn your alarm clock around so the lights are not facing you or block blinking lights by covering them. Use soft, comfortable sheets and maintain a temperature that is comfortable for you. Creating the proper environment will help you sleep better.
7. Eat, Drink and be sleepy! Be sure to eat small meals throughout the day, the last one a few hours before bed. Also remember to drink water throughout the day and into the evening, just not too much right before bed or you will wake up to use the bathroom.
8. Try some Deep Breathing. Taking even 10 long, deep breaks helps decrease your heart rate and blood pressure, helping to prepare your body for sleep.
9. Practice a Progressive Muscle Relaxation exercise, which incorporates Deep Breathing and working each of the muscles of your body then releasing the tension. You can find step by step guides online or check out the following youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFwCKKa--18.
10. Stop pressuring yourself to go to sleep, focus on the process of relaxing and winding down, the sleep will come. If you push yourself too hard to sleep, for example saying to yourself, “I have to go to sleep in the next 10 minutes or I will be tired tomorrow” it is too much pressure and you will have more trouble sleeping. Try reframing your thought to “I am feeling good, relaxing and getting tired now, and I will fall asleep when it is time to sleep.”
11. If you still find yourself unable to sleep, talking to a counselor can help you alleviate the stressors and anxieties that contribute to your not sleeping. If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our therapists, call 240-274-5680 for more information.
12. Medication can help. If you have tried all these options and still can not sleep, medication can help. There are a range of medications, from more natural options such as Melatonin to prescription medications that can help you get the sleep you need to feel rested and awake during the day.

Try out a few of these techniques and find out which ones work for you!

If you are looking to connect with one of the therapists at our center, we have three wonderful counselors at our practice who specialize in different areas. If you want help individually or as a couple, if you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or depressed and want support managing all of those feelings, and getting help figuring out what to do, call us today for a free consultation. You can call Amy directly at 240-274-5680 or by email at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com and we can get you set up with a therapist who will be the best fit for you. Visit www.HealingLLC.com for details.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Trouble Sleeping?

Do you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep? Do you often lie awake at night, thinking about and worrying about everything you have to do? If so, you are one of many people who has sleep troubles. Because sleep is so important to living a healthy life, we decided to devote the Winter edition of Healing Times to helping you get more sleep! Rest assured, there are many remedies to sleeplessness. The key is finding out which ones work for you.

In this blog, we will get down to basics and discuss the topic of sleep and in the next blog 12 solutions to your sleep problems. If you have a friend or family member who you think could benefit from learning about getting better sleep, please feel free to forward this newsletter to them.

We hope the information in this blog will help empower you to have the courage to change what is not working for you and embrace what is. This will, in turn help you live your life in a more fulfilling and meaningful way.

Remember: "May sleep envelop you as a bed sheet floating gently down, tickling your skin and removing every worry. Reminding you to consider only this moment." -Jeb Dickerson

While sleeping, the body is able to reenergize and recuperate. In addition, sleep helps your immune system stay strong. When you are asleep, your brain can process the events and stressors of the day, leaving you less overwhelmed with life if you get the proper amount of sleep. On the other hand, getting too little sleep can cause irritability, and/or a diminished capacity to handle stress, which can in turn lead to both physical and emotional issues.

Stayed tuned for 12 Tips for Improved Sleep, posted in February! If you have any comments or suggestions for what you want to see in our next blog, please send them to AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com. Visit www.HealingLLC.com/cso for details.

Take Good Care,
Amy L. Hooper
Director, Another Look at Healing, LLC

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Quiz: How much do you know about sleep?

Quiz published by: NIH Medline Plus Summer 2007 Issue: Volume 2 Number 3 Pages 18 - 19. http://www.nlm.nih.gov

Use this brief, time-saving questionnaire to help determine how much you know about sleep and to learn a few new facts.

TRUE OR FALSE ?

_____1. Sleep is a time when your body and brain shut down for rest and relaxation.

_____2. If you regularly doze off unintentionally during the day, you may need more than just a good night's sleep.

_____3. If you snore loudly and persistently at night and are sleepy during the day, you may have a sleep disorder.

_____4. Opening the car window or turning the radio up will keep the drowsy driver awake.

_____5. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder marked by "sleep attacks."

_____6. The primary cause of insomnia is worry.

_____7. One cause of not getting enough sleep is restless legs syndrome.

_____8. The body has a natural ability to adjust to different sleep schedules such as working different shifts or traveling through multiple time zones quickly.

_____9. People need less sleep as they grow older.

_____10. More people doze off at the wheel of a car in the early morning or midafternoon than in the evening.

Snooze You Can Use—
Sleep Quiz Answers

1. False is correct. Although it is a time when your body rests and restores its energy levels, sleep is an active state that affects both your physical and mental well being.

2. True is correct. Many people doze off unintentionally during the day despite getting their usual night of sleep. This could be a sign of a sleep disorder.

3. True is correct. Persistent loud snoring at night and daytime sleepiness are the main symptoms of a common and serious sleep disorder, sleep apnea. Another symptom is frequent long pauses in breathing during sleep, followed by choking and gasping for breath.

4. False is correct. Opening the car window or turning the radio up may arouse a drowsy driver briefly, but this won't keep that person alert behind the wheel. Even mild drowsiness is enough to reduce concentration and reaction time. The sleep-deprived driver may nod off for a couple of seconds at a time without even knowing it—enough time to kill himself or someone else.

5. True is correct. People with narcolepsy fall asleep uncontrollably—at any time of the day, in all types of situations—regardless of the amount or quality of sleep they've had the night before. Narcolepsy is characterized by these 'sleep attacks,' as well as by daytime sleepiness, episodes of muscle weakness or paralysis, and disrupted nighttime sleep.

6. False is correct. Insomnia has many different causes, including physical and mental conditions and stress. Insomnia is the perception that you don't get enough sleep because you can't fall asleep or stay asleep or get back to sleep once you've awakened during the night. It affects people of all ages, usually for just an occasional night or two, but sometimes for weeks, months, or even years.

7. True is correct. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a medical condition distinguished by tingling sensations in the legs—and sometimes the arms—while sitting or lying still, especially at bedtime. The person with RLS needs to constantly stretch or move the legs to try to relieve these uncomfortable or painful symptoms. As a result, he or she has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep and usually feels extremely sleepy and unable to function fully during the day. Good sleep habits and medication can help the person with RLS.

8. False is correct. The human body's biological clock programs each person to feel sleepy during the nighttime hours and to be active during the daylight hours. So people who work the night shift and try to sleep during the day are constantly fighting their biological clocks. This puts them at risk of error and accident at work and of disturbed sleep. Sleeping during the day in a dark, quiet bedroom and getting exposure to sufficient bright light at the right time can help improve daytime alertness.

9. False is correct. As we get older, we don't need less sleep, but we often get less sleep. That's because our ability to sleep for long periods of time and to get into the deep restful stages of sleep decreases with age. Older people have more fragile sleep and are more easily disturbed by light, noise, and pain. They also may have medical conditions that contribute to sleep problems. Going to bed at the same time every night and getting up at the same time every morning, getting exposure to natural outdoor light during the day, and sleeping in a cool, dark, quiet place at night may help.

10. True is the correct answer. Our bodies are programmed by our biological clock to experience two natural periods of sleepiness during the 24-hour day, regardless of the amount of sleep we've had in the previous 24 hours. The primary period is between about midnight and 7:00 a.m. A second period of less intense sleepiness is in the midafternoon, between about 1:00 and 3:00. This means that we are more at risk of falling asleep at the wheel at these times than in the evening--especially if we haven't been getting enough sleep.

If you are looking to get some help with your sleeping or other issues but are not sure where to start, call us today for a free consultation. You can call Amy directly at 240-274-5680 or by email at AnotherLook@HealingLLC.com and we can get you set up with a therapist that will be the best fit for you. Visit www.HealingLLC.com for details.