Page 65 - 2022-Spring Summer Magazine_FINAL Single_Neat

Then, the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. As
professionals across various industries wrestled
with the adjustment to remote work, Dr Fritz
found himself unwittingly prepared—he’d
been splitting his time between his office on
Palm Beach and home, offering telemedicine
consultations prior to the mandated lockdowns.
His availability remained open for his patients
in Florida, back in Minnesota, and the 10 other
states in which he is licensed. Also aiding the
transition was his psychiatric approach to his
meetings; one which promoted a conversation as
opposed to an interview.

Rather than running down a list of
predetermined questions, Dr. Fritz simply
asks his patients to share their stories. Over
the course of self-reporting, most patients
unintentionally offer clues to the reasons they
find themselves struggling with sleep. Generally,
poor sleep is a crime committed by the usual
culprits; with diet and stress near the top of the
list. However, Dr. Fritz also identifies another
category; one he refers to as sleep hygiene.

He isn’t suggesting his patients make sure to
shower before lying down—in this instance,
hygiene refers to their nightly routine. Lights
remaining on in or outside the house contribute
to a lousy snooze, as well as staring at a phone or
TV screen, and even caffeine or other substance
consumption after noon. Unfortunately, many
don’t understand or vastly underestimate the
impacts of each.

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