Hypnosis For Sleep: What Is It and Types of Hypnosis Practices

Published: Dec 17, 2023
Updated: Nov 15, 2024
Hypnosis For Sleep: What Is It and Types of Hypnosis Practices
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    When you hear the word hypnosis, the first thought that probably comes to mind is that it involves controlling your mind. However, that is not the case. Hypnosis is a powerful tool that can put you in a state of deep relaxation, ideal for sleep.

    Let’s explore deeper what hypnosis for sleep is, the benefits and types of hypnosis practices, and meditations for sleep.

    Key Takeaways
    Hypnosis is a state in which you are highly relaxed and concentrated. It is not the same as hypnotherapy, a form of therapy.
    It is not quite known how hypnosis works. However, it is found that hypnosis produces the same neurophysiological effects as meditation.
    Hypnosis in general may help with pain management, improve anxiety and depression, encourage better sleep, and help with focus or awareness.
    It can help with sleep as it puts the sleeper in a dream or trance-like state, fully relaxing the body and inducing deeper sleep.
    You will also find 4 examples of sleep meditations for self-hypnosis below in this article.

    What is Hypnosis?

    what is hypnosis

    Hypnosis can be seen as a meditative state in which you remain deeply relaxed and concentrated. During this period, you are likely less aware of your surroundings and more open to suggestions for behavioral or emotional changes [1], [2].

    It is also sometimes used interchangeably with hypnotherapy. However, hypnotherapy is not a state but rather a form of therapy that can be used with other therapies for mental health conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mood disorders, and even sleep disorders such as insomnia [3].

    How does hypnosis work?

    It is still not known how exactly hypnosis works but psychologists have found that hypnosis and meditation have similar neurophysiological effects. For both of them, fast-wave brain activity that affects thinking and processing would decrease while slow-wave activity during relaxation and focus increases [4].

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    Benefits of Hypnosis

    benefits of hypnosis

    Hypnosis can have positive effects on your overall health and well-being. Some of the benefits of hypnosis include [5]:

    • Help with pain management
    • Improves symptoms of anxiety and depression
    • Encourages better sleep outcomes
    • Helps with focus and awareness

    How Can Hypnosis Help with Sleep?

    Hypnosis can be used to help with sleep problems by relaxing a person and putting them into a dream or trance-like state to reduce anxiety. Additionally, this would also result in the person being in deep sleep for longer [6].

    4 Examples of Meditations for Self-Hypnosis

    If you are looking to try out hypnosis for sleep, one method is to use self-hypnosis. During self-hypnosis sessions, you can guide yourself into a state similar to meditation, where your subconscious mind becomes more receptive to new ideas and beliefs.

    You can practice self-hypnosis by using guided meditation or visualization exercises. Here are 4 examples of sleep hypnosis meditations that you can try for yourself!

    2 Hour Guided Sleep Hypnosis Meditation For Deep Sleep

    2 Hour Healing Sleep Hypnosis

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    Get better sleep by listening to guided sleep hypnosis meditations


    Try ShutEye App For Free

    1 Hour Sleep Hypnosis to Fall Asleep Fast

    Sleep Hypnosis Meditation for Anxiety

    You may also consider consulting a therapist or sleep specialist if you find that hypnosis does not help and you continue to struggle with sleep problems such as insomnia.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, hypnosis can be a valuable tool in improving a myriad of conditions including sleep disorders. It may also be combined with sleep hygiene practices or with sleep aids such as a white noise machine for increased benefits.

    For more resources to help you sleep better, try the ShutEye® app for free. ShutEye® is a science-backed sleep-tracking app that also comes with sleep sounds, guided meditations, and more, to ensure a good night’s rest.

    shuteye logo
    Get better sleep by listening to guided sleep hypnosis meditations
    Try ShutEye App for Free
    FAQ

    Sleep hypnosis can be effective in treating sleep-related conditions. However, more research may be needed to determine if it is really effective for sleep.

    There are many different types of hypnosis for sleep such as guided meditations, self-hypnosis, or even using a hypnosis app. The best hypnosis depends on individual preference.

    Some hypnotist suggests that even if you fall asleep, you can still benefit from a hypnosis session as it still reaches the subconscious mind.
    About authors
    Jessica Brown, a 29-year-old freelance copywriter passionate about human nature and deeply committed to promoting sleep and mental health awareness. Jessica holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's in Biology from the University of Cambridge.
    Siti Amirah
    Reviewer
    Amirah is a content writer passionate about topics related to mental health and wellness. Recently, she delved into the realm of sleep health, spurred by a personal recognition of her subpar sleep habits and a desire for improvement. Amirah holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Communication Studies from the University of Nottingham.

    Cleveland Clinic (2022) Hypnosis [online]. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22676-hypnosis

    Psychology Today (2022) Hypnotherapy [online]. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/therapy-types/hypnotherapy

    Royal College of Psychiatrists (2024) Hypnosis and hypnotherapy [online]. Available at: https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/treatments-and-wellbeing/hypnosis-and-hypnotherapy

    Wilson, D. R. (2023) Can hypnosis help insomnia? [online]. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hypnosis-for-insomnia

    Weir, K. (2024) Uncovering the new science of clinical hypnosis. American Psychological Association. 55 (3): pg 47. Available at: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/04/science-of-hypnosis

    Wolchover, N. (2011) How Does Hypnosis Work? [online]. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/33046-does-hypnosis-work-hypnotherapy.html

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