Hypnosis for Sleep Problems

Using hypnosis to treat sleep disorders such as bedwetting and insomnia has been used as early as the 1930’s to determine emotional and stress issues that are the cause of disrupted sleep.  When a person is hypnotized they enter a trance-like state that opens their mind to the hypnotist suggestions during which can identify these issues and persuade the patient to get the rest they need by reinforcing and applying repetitive affirmations that address memories and emotions.

During the initial consultation the patient and the therapist will agree on what will be said during the hypnotic trance and therefore reinforce positive behaviors for later use.  These positive reinforcements will enable the patient to become relaxed at any time, reducing stress and anxiety.

Hypnotic sleep and deep sleep are different in a way that a therapist can influence the patient’s mind and body in order to alter sleep disorders and create effective sleep patterns.  This technique helps the patient achieve a relaxed state of mind to attain a deep sleep.

Patients with sleep disorders suffer from not being able to fall asleep to not being able to stay asleep.  Therapist use hypnosis for those as young as five that wet the bed, emotional issues that cause insomnia, relieve anxiety for those that have reoccurring nightmares and help sleepwalkers.  Therapist also use other means with hypnosis to treat a patient such as medication, counseling, teaching self-hypnosis and sleep journals.

Those that experience an occasional night without sleep may benefit from self-hypnosis without the need to see a therapist.  Reaching a state of relaxation through self-hypnosis for sleep can be obtained by just getting into a comfortable position in bed, usually on your back and close your eyes.  Take deep breaths, hold it and exhale slowly, as this will allow your heart rate to decrease.  Flex and release the muscles in your arms, legs, body then head and concentrate on these areas. This will allow you to focus on relaxing and not the stress that is causing you to stay awake.  Taking deep breaths while you flex your muscles, release them as you exhale slowly counting from 8 to 1 and tell yourself to relax, relax. 

There are many self-hypnotic sleep aides on the market that will give you step by step instruction on how to achieve maximum relaxation.

Make sure your sleep environment is conducive to achieve your goal.  There should be limited or no light, no other sounds to disrupt your concentration and the room should be cool, so you don’t wake up during the night because you are too warm.  Adding a self-hypnotic sleep aid with your regular sleep routine such as taking a bath or having a cup of decaffeinated Sleepytime tea will help you to relax and allow you to get the rest you deserve.