Insomnia

Need Sleep! Understanding Insomnia and other Sleep Problems

What is Sleep Hypnosis?

Sleep hypnosis the use of hypnotherapy to address sleeping problems. The goal of sleep hypnosis not to make a person fall asleep during the hypnosis itself. Instead, it works to change negative thoughts or habits related to sleep so that a person can sleep better once hypnotherapy is complete.

Hypnosis for sleep may be combined with other types of treatment. For example, it can be used alongside cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) , a form of counseling that reframes negative thinking about sleep. Sleep hypnosis may also promote sleep hygiene improvements to develop healthier sleep-related routines.

Hypnotherapy involves several steps to prepare, process and conclude treatment;

Informed Consent
Before we start, the process is explained so that you know what to expect, have the opportunity to ask questions, and can consent to the therapy.

Visualizing Calming Imagery
Hypnosis normally starts with a focus on a calming image or thought. This beginning step promotes relaxation that enables an escalating level of focus.

Deepening Focus
Hypnosis requires intense focus, so once a person is calm, further instructions enhance attention on the calming imagery.

Therapeutic Suggestions
Once a person is in the trance-like condition, specific suggestions are offered that are tailored to address their medical problem or symptoms.

Ending Hypnosis
In the final step, the patient is guided to return to being fully awake and alert.

Sleep hypnotherapy frequently involves more than two to three sessions, but it usually does not need to be provided on a continuing basis in order for a patient to benefit.

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How is Sleep Hypnosis Done?

Sleep hypnosis follows the same steps as hypnotherapy and involves therapeutic suggestions targeted to sleep. For example, hypnotherapy may encourage a person to feel less anxious about falling asleep or to follow a more consistent sleep schedule.

While most studies have focused on in-person hypnosis, there is some evidence that self-hypnosis may be assisted with use audio recordings which are specifically tailored to your associated issues. A study of cancer survivors found that most people were able to follow audio recordings for at-home hypnosis, and many perceived benefits. We often after the initial session of hypnosis will recommend follow-up exercises to perform at home to reinforce the benefits of hypnotherapy.

By encouraging relaxation and creating an opportunity to reorient thoughts and emotions, hypnosis may be a useful tool in enhancing sleep for people with conditions like insomnia.

Small studies have identified sleep benefits from hypnotherapy. In one study, the suggestion to “sleep deeper” during hypnosis prompted increased slow-wave sleep, which is important for physical and mental recovery.

Hypnotherapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, both of which are strongly correlated with sleeping problems. It has been employed to treat pain as well, which can also cause disturbed sleep.

Hypnotherapy can be provided to people of almost any age. Adolescents are thought to more easily enter into a hypnotic state, but adults and the elderly can also be hypnotized.

You are most likely to benefit from sleep hypnosis if you talk with your doctor first. Addressing sleep symptoms with a doctor can help make sure that they aren’t being caused by an underlying health condition or sleep disorder. Working with a professional trained in hypnotherapy can help ensure that you get high-quality care that is integrated into your specific treatment plan.

Helpful Suggestions

Ask for Follow-up Resources
Talk with the person who guided your hypnotherapy and ask about techniques for building upon your success. This may include hypnosis activities, including recordings or apps, that you can do at home. It could also be strategies for relaxation such as listening to calming music.

Develop Dependable Routines
Habits have a major influence on behavior. If you’ve noticed a positive change in your sleep routine, make a point of sticking with it for an extended period so that the habit can become nearly automatic.

Schedule a Follow-up
Try to monitor your nightly sleep and daytime energy, and if you notice problems arising, schedule a follow up with your doctor to see if hypnotherapy or another approach can help get you back on track.

Our Lake Macquarie Psychotherapy Treatments

Can Change Therapy offers the following treatments in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle: