Hypnosis for Sleep Problems

Hypnosis techniques can improve sleep disorders. Although some people doubt the effectiveness of hypnosis for sleep disorders, using hypnosis to sleep better has been an accepted practice for many years. Through hypnosis and self hypnosis, people can explore emotional issues that disrupt sleep.

What Is Hypnosis?

What is hypnosis? When a person uses hypnosis to sleep better, the mind enters a trance-like state that is more open to suggestion. Hypnosis techniques address identified stresses or insomnia triggers during this stage to induce restful sleep.

In clinical situations, individuals and therapists agree on what will happen during hypnosis. A therapist may use the hypnotic state to reinforce positive behaviors. Goals of hypnosis for sleep problems include increasing a person's ability to relax and reducing anxiety.

Being in a hypnotic state is not the same as being asleep. However, under hypnosis, therapists influence the mind and the body to create better sleep patterns. Using hypnosis to sleep better trains the mind to release the day's worries and concentrate on getting a full night of rest.

Hypnosis for Sleep

Hypnosis for sleep problems can improve a number of disorders. Certain sleep disorders respond well to hypnosis techniques, including:

• Bed wetting. Bed wetting can affect both children and adults. Hypnosis can help identify and resolve behaviors that cause bed wetting.
• Insomnia. Insomnia responds well to hypnosis techniques. Depression, emotional disturbances and medication can induce this sleep disorder.
• Nightmares. Nightmares respond well to hypnosis. In the hypnotic state, therapists calm the anxiety or stress that may cause terrifying dreams.
• Sleep walking. Sleep walking, or somnambulism, can occur at any age. Sleep walking only occurs during deep sleep.

While doctors may prescribe hypnosis for sleep problems, hypnosis techniques generally complement other treatments, such as medication, therapy and sleep diaries.

Self Hypnosis to Sleep Better

Although self hypnosis can help individuals who experience minor sleep difficulties, a professional should diagnose and treat short- or long-term sleep disorders. Self hypnosis works best when taught by a professional.

Here's a example of self hypnosis techniques:

• Settle on your back and close your eyes.
• Let your arms align naturally at each side without touching across your abdomen.
• Begin taking deep breaths, drawn from the diaphragm.
• Work your muscles, beginning at the toes. Flex and release while you concentrate on the various, sequential muscle groups, working toward your shoulders and down to your fingers.
• Concentrate on relaxing. If your mind starts to wander, identify the thought, put it out of your mind and begin focusing on relaxing.
• Begin a countdown and imagine yourself descending gracefully from a high point to a lower one. Set levels, such as 10-9-8, etc. As you reach each level, mentally envision a deeper state of relaxation.
• When you reach the count of "one," let your mind drift.

People should feel completely relaxed, if not asleep, at this point in self hypnosis. Over time, self-hypnosis techniques teach people to relax with very little effort.

Resources

Mind Tools. (2010). Self-hypnosis. Retrieved October 8, 2010, from http://www.mindtools.com/stress/RelaxationTechniques/SelfHypnosis.htm.

Ng, B., Lee, T. (2008). Hypnotherapy for sleep disorders. Retrieved October 8, 2010, from http://www.annals.edu.sg/pdf/37VolNo8Aug2008/V37N8p683.pdf.

SleepDisordersGuide.com. (2008). Facts about hypnotherapy for sleeping disorders treatment. Retrieved October 8, 2010, from http://www.sleepdisordersguide.com/blog/sleepdisorders/facts-about-hypnotherapy-for-sleeping-disorders-treatment/.