Dr. Marcy Millar, MD
Dr. Marcy Millar is board certified in Internal Medicine. She graduated from Rush Medical College and completed her residency at Evanston Hospital. In private practice since 1989, Dr. Millar enjoys the personal side of medicine. Her strong, enduring relationships with her patients and their families reflect her commitment to the total person.
What is your bedtime ritual?
After finishing work on the computer which takes most of the evening, I play piano for 30 min to 2 hours, depending on the time I have left. Then dim the lights, read a book, fall asleep.
What do you do during the day that has the biggest impact (positive or negative) on your sleep?
Physically: Workout at Defy It Fitness. Mentally, try to keep the pace of work in check, to be mindful of each person I see in the office.
In the last 5 years, what new belief, behavior or habit has most improved your sleep?
For those middle of the night awakenings: mindfulness meditation. I become aware of the busy mind or intense emotion that usually is the cause of awakening, I first watch the thoughts, but do not engage and then change my attention to the peace and quiet of my surroundings, pray, etc. I find even if I am up for two hours, I still feel rested the next day.
If you have had a particularly challenging day and your normal bedtime routine isn’t enough for you to fall asleep, what do you try next?
I do a few stretches, read, and fall asleep. If this does not do it, meditate.
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