08/09/2025
Re: Sleep
Again today, I was asked, ‘Is hypnosis sleep? Is it sleeping-therapy?’
This is probably because it is often introduced with images of people lying down or closing their eyes.
Then, some people think hypnosis = sleep = being done something while asleep...
During hypnotherapy, we usually ask questions and have the client respond, engaging in conversation. They can't hear if they sleep.
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When we are asked a deep question, regarding our problems, while awake,
‘This might sound strange if I say it, what will they think of me, what would a normal person say, is this the right answer, oh no I shouldn't mention that,’
and so on, numerous thoughts flash through your mind in an instant, suppressing your true feelings or emotions.
And end up responding with the ‘adult’ part of ourselves that has learned various things in life.
Or, just get emotional and lose the words.
When that adult part of our conscious mind calms down,
When our mental guard is lowered,
When we can relax and dissociate the question from our minds,
that is the hypnotic state where therapy is most effective.
For a long time, it was believed that sleeping 8 hours a day was necessary for rest, but it feels like a waste of time.
But recent research has shown that even after adulthood, the brain can grow new neurons(neurogenesis) and reorganize neural circuits through experience(neuroplasticity). And we need this for our entire lives.
And this important process of neuroplasticity occurs during sleep when the conscious mind is at rest.
Sleep is the ultimate opportunity: to grow and change.
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That's why, after my sessions (where clients discover new ideas for change), I ask them to take a nap or get a good night's sleep.
If you have sleep issues such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or shallow sleep, experiencing hypnosis to calm the conscious mind often leads to improved sleep. And help for your issue, which prevents you from getting good sleep.
Contact me to talk about it.
