Sleep hypnosis is a technique that can help people reach a calmer state. This is a form of hypnotherapy and a mind-body intervention capable of leading you into a hypnotic trance using the power of suggestion.
Sometimes, it gets very frustrating when you plan to sleep early, but you can’t get your mind to shut off. No matter how hard you try, your thoughts are running so fast, that you end up thinking of a thousand different scenarios before you get a proper shut-eye.
Sounds familiar?
Based on a recent survey, 14.5% of adults have difficulty drifting off to sleep, and 17.8% find it difficult to stay asleep.
Sleep hypnosis is one of the latest sleep hacks that has gone viral on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. This mind-body intervention teaches you how to be in control of your thoughts.
It’s a comfortable and convenient approach that can offer several benefits for sleep-related issues. But, how effective is it for sleep? What does research have to say on how to increase deep sleep through hypnosis? The guide below can answer all your queries.
Sleep Hypnosis – What Is It, Exactly?
Sleep hypnosis is a technique that can help people reach a calmer state. This is a form of hypnotherapy and a mind-body intervention capable of leading you into a hypnotic trance using the power of suggestion.
That’s because words have power. The words you tell yourself, and others can have a significant impact on your mental state. The power of suggestion happens when a person receives an idea, and that idea becomes a reality.
In hypnosis, you are guided into a state of suggestibility or receptiveness. Then, positive and transformative messages are repeated. The goal is to plant new ideas into your subconscious mind to work on your sleeping patterns.
Self hypnosis for sleep is a popular technique for those who struggle with stress, sleep anxiety, and generalized sleeping disorders.
Note: Hypnosis is not a treatment nor a therapy. It is an alternative procedure you can use alongside conventional psychological or medical therapies for sleep.
How Does Hypnosis for Sleep Work?
Deep sleep hypnosis can be a useful approach for calming your mind and stopping fearful or negative thoughts from consuming you. People use it to slow down their racing minds and prevent them from getting caught up in overwhelming thinking patterns.
Hypnotherapists use a wide range of options to put you into a relaxed state. They can use:
- Breathing exercises – These techniques help you avoid distractions and remain centered.
- Guided imagery – This technique focuses on a concept that inspires you to imagine a relaxing and peaceful place. Like a rainy day, a quiet beach, or a forest.
- Focused attention – This technique gives you a specific focal point to clear the mind, such as a particular sensation, sound, or object.
- Symptom control – According to studies, hypnosis could be used to ease symptoms and boost the quality of life in some patients. It is often used in people who experience continuing physical and psychological symptoms due to an underlying disease.
During a hypnotherapy session, you will hear words like “imagine”, “just pretend”, “find yourself”, “easy”, and “let go”. All of these words are meant to encourage you to relax.
How Do I Make Myself Sleep Using Hypnosis?
To start with self hypnosis for sleep, the first thing you need to do is set the proper environment. Create a comfortable and calm space in your bedroom. Remove all the gadgets (i.e. laptops, tablets, etc) that might distract you, and keep the room dark and quiet.
Wear comfortable clothing that’s loose and gentle on the skin. Then, start by relaxing yourself with deep breathing and creating mental visions of calming scenes. For example, you can picture yourself walking down a path on a rainy day and letting go of tension.
If you find it difficult to induce a relaxed state, you can also listen to ASMR, podcasts, bedtime stories, or watch relaxing sleep hypnosis videos. You should engage your imagination to create positive and reaffirming mental images that give you the sensation of drifting off to sleep.
Repetition is the key here. It helps deepen and reinforce the desired state. If you’ve never tried hypnosis before, it may be best to consult with a hypnotherapist first.
The Benefits Sleep Hypnosis Has to Offer
Hypnosis for sleep has become quite popular because people use it to replace their stress, anxiety, and fears with more positive emotions. Here are other advantages it can provide.
1. Can Make You Fall Asleep Easier and Faster
Based on a study, hypnotherapy and hypnotherapy-like treatments could shorten sleep latency. This makes it a potential approach to resolve sleep problems, such as insomnia.
2. May Provide Quality Sleep
Deep sleep hypnosis could help you fall asleep less anxious and maintain a healthy sleeping pattern.
3. Helps You to Concentrate During the Day
Quality sleep helps you stay focused and alert. It eliminates fuzzy thinking and boosts productivity. This is why a lot of people prefer to use hypnosis for sleep.
But, if you need an extra boost, then you may want to go one step further and add something truly unique to your sleeping routine. The NUU3 Deep sleep gummies are designed to give your sleepless night a complete overhaul.
Packed with natural and quality ingredients, these gummies remove the daytime grogginess and help you stay more alert and refreshed. It is a quality formula that promotes better sleep so you can go about your day in a positive mood.
4. Can Keep the Anxiety and Stress at Bay
Evidence suggests that deep sleep hypnosis could help induce relaxation effects that can ease anxiety and stress. When paired with guided imagery and deep breathing, this technique may help you sleep better.
5. May Treat Nightmares
Although data is very limited, some patients have managed to eliminate their nightmares through hypnosis for sleep. However, the treatment of patients who are having sleep terrors was less successful.
What Are the Risks of Sleep Hypnosis?
Hypnosis doesn’t produce the same results in everyone.
Experts have discovered that people vary in how easily they can be hypnotized. Some reports suggest about 15% of people are very open to hypnosis. However, approximately one-third of these individuals aren’t responsive to hypnosis and may not benefit much from hypnotherapy.
The rest fall somewhere in between on a scale of hypnotizability. They might find hypnosis helpful. These individuals have a strong desire for change and a positive mindset.
Hypnotherapy is suitable for people of almost all ages. While teenagers are believed to be the easiest to hypnotize, seniors and adults can also be hypnotized.
Sleep hypnosis is considered a generally safe technique. However, it is not recommended for patients who have serious mental health complications, like schizophrenia, or those who struggle with drug abuse.
Adverse reactions can also occur. These may include:
- Dizziness
- False memories from time to time
- Headaches
- Anxiety
If your hypnotherapy doesn’t work or the results don’t last, then you may need to experiment with hypnotic strategies, such as changing your guided imagery or breathing techniques. Those who don’t notice any notable changes are usually unwilling to change.
Consult with a licensed practitioner to keep you on the right track.
FAQ’s
Who does the best sleep hypnosis?
A professional hypnotherapist has the right skills and experience to guide you into a relaxed state. They can help you achieve a trance state of mind through hypnosis sessions and find the right approach that can work for your sleep problems.
Is it OK to fall asleep during self-hypnosis?
If you drift off to sleep during hypnosis, your subconscious mind becomes less open to taking in any verbal or mental cues. As a result, you might miss out on some of the possible benefits of the session.
How to fall asleep in 30 min?
With guided meditation, self hypnosis for sleep can help you get shut-eye in half an hour. But, if you are not tired enough, it may be harder for you to fall asleep that quickly. So, you might need to spend that excess energy during the day to get the desired result. Doing your usual exercise routines should help.
How long does sleep hypnosis last?
The effects of deep sleep hypnosis can last for your whole life. If you are using this technique regularly, you might experience a permanent change in your sleeping patterns. For example, some people find it easier to fall asleep once they’ve trained their minds to stay calm.
Hypnotherapy can teach you effective calming techniques to alter your habits and give your body the rest it deserves.
Wrap Up
Sleep hypnosis is a rising trend. It is a go-to choice for those who want to enhance their sleeping patterns and control their racing thoughts. But, just like any other alternative option, this one can’t replace conventional medical treatment. If your sleep problem is due to any underlying health issues, it is best to consult a specialist first.