Hypnosis, often depicted as a mysterious mind control tool in popular culture, is actually a well-researched therapeutic technique utilized in various medical and psychological fields. It involves a state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility, allowing the subconscious mind to be receptive to positive suggestions and affirmations. While it may not be a cure-all, hypnosis has shown promising results in treating insomnia, a common sleep disorder affecting millions of people worldwide.
While numerous relaxation techniques can aid in falling asleep faster, they often fail to address the underlying cause of insomnia, which is frequently rooted in the fear of not being able to sleep. However, hypnosis directly tackles this fundamental fear. By employing positive suggestions and affirmations, hypnosis reframes an individual's perception of sleep and alleviates their fears, thereby promoting a healthier sleep pattern.
What does the Science say
According to a comprehensive review titled "Hypnosis Intervention Effects on Sleep Outcomes", published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, hypnosis has shown a positive impact on the sleep quality of individuals. The review analyzed data from several well-structured clinical trials and experimental studies, concluding that hypnosis can significantly enhance sleep efficiency, increase total sleep time, and reduce the time taken to fall asleep.
The findings revealed that
58.3% of these studies reported a positive influence of hypnosis on sleep outcomes.
12.5% presented mixed results
29.2% did not find any significant benefits of hypnosis on sleep.
How does a hypnosis session work to treat insomnia?
Hypnosis works by inducing a state of deep relaxation, where the conscious mind is less active and the subconscious mind is at the forefront. This altered state of consciousness allows the hypnotherapist to bypass the conscious mind's habitual patterns, thus accessing the underlying psychological causes of insomnia.
During a hypnotherapy session, the therapist uses guided relaxation techniques and delivers specific suggestions aimed at changing the patient's sleeping patterns. These suggestions are tailored to help individuals adjust their mental associations with bedtime, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
Over time, these suggestions can modify how the subconscious mind perceives and responds to sleep, aiding in the resolution of insomnia. It's essential to note that while hypnosis can be a powerful tool in treating insomnia, it's most effective when used in conjunction with traditional treatment methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
So hypnosis does not only help individuals relax and fall asleep faster, but it addresses the root cause of insomnia by changing the subconscious mind's perceptions and responses to sleep.
How to explore self-hypnosis?
It's always better to seek out a professional hypnotherapist for the best result. Their expert guidance can ensure accurate and effective delivery of suggestions tailored to your unique circumstances and needs.
Otherwise, there is an app called Unwind that provides various guided hypnosis sessions recorded by an accredited hypnotherapist and that you can try at home. It is an excellent tool for individuals seeking to explore the benefits of self-hypnosis independently.