Is Sleep Hypnosis Dangerous?

While it is very normal to get different sleep disorders in this chaotic world, many methods have been adopted from time to time to improve the quality of our sleep. One of such scientifically proven methods of curing sleep related issues is sleep hypnosis. This controversial method is widely used for treating many major problems mentally. Sleep hypnosis is successful in treating anxiety, insomnia and mental conditions, quitting smoking and even in weight loss. But, apparently hypnosis is a mysterious subject. Ever since it is used, hypnosis has been always criticized by the masses as they believe in what is portrayed about hypnosis in TV programs. Despite the fact that there are many researches providing proof that sleep hypnosis is operative in getting a relaxed state of mind that gives a better quality slow wave sleep, people seems to criticize this method. If you are also interested to know the reality about all the beliefs that you may have probably made about sleep hypnosis, then this article is for you. Read along to clear all your doubts.

The main objective of sleep hypnosis is to make a person get a better control of his sense of awareness such that he can avoid any negative feelings and easily fall asleep. While he goes into a trance like state, it improves the focus on a person. Many therapists consider this method very practical with almost zero side effects. You can use hypnotherapy to improve your overall sense of well being. You can treat your severe medical conditions without any surgery or extra medication with the help of this mental technique. According to a study in 2016, researchers found that people who undergone a hypnosis session experienced many changes in their brain that helped them in getting less self consciousness and greater physical and mental control.

How exactly does sleep hypnosis work?

Sleep hypnosis is a brain soothing method whose session can last for around an hour. The therapy can be done with the help of a professional or can be done by oneself alone. A professional tries to change a person’s negative behavior into positive one by making their mind more responsive and body more relaxed. The expert makes an individual get into a hypnotic state where he is still self aware and conscious. The expert gives suggestions to the patient. The patient becomes responsive to such suggestions. Today, there are numerous online platforms and applications where one can practice sleep hypnosis without the need of any expert. The work of the professional is done by an audio session which a person can listen to for getting a deep sense of relaxation. Sleep hypnosis can be easily done by laying at a comfortable place like bed or couch, concentrating on breathing and then getting subconscious by visualizing any scenario that calms you down or saying any positive affirmation or mantra that makes you relaxed. This whole session leads to a peaceful undisturbed sleep.

What are the risks associated with sleep hypnosis

Even with the high success of sleep hypnotherapy, there are a few risks related with this therapy. One important risk that is largely affected by this therapy is the possibility of creating false memories. And, this method requires a lot of focus and attention on the part of the person to get into the trance like state, many people find in difficult to introduce the suggestions like visuals and mantras into their session that makes the therapy not effective. A person may not get the required results in one time. And, he may need to practice it many nights to get the maximum effect. People who have symptoms of delusions and hallucinations may not get the desired benefits from sleep hypnosis. There is a chance to suffer from other side effects like headache, anxiety and dizziness. Their effect however fades away after the therapy. It is always advisable to take knowledge of your doctor.

Is sleep hypnosis safe?

Sleep hypnosis can prove quite good in treating sleep related problems and has the ability to make a person more relaxed in general. The method is treated very safe and has been used since 19th century in surgeries and other medical practices. This inexpensive therapy is normally considered safe by people. Most people do not suffer any negative side effects. However, it is to be noted that if you have any health condition that is affecting your sleep, then it is important to consult a medical professional for treating that condition.

Is sleep hypnosis bad for brain

Sleep hypnosis is not bad for brain at all. During sleep hypnosis therapy, the person is generally open to the suggestions given by the hypnotherapist and his brain becomes more responsive. The person is in a hypnotic state but he can still control his decisions and demonstrate his authority. It is generally believed that hypnosis is controlling the bad which is bad for the brain, but this is just a false statement. There are people who get hypnotic easily and seems to be under the control of the therapist, but it should not be mismatched with controlling brain and it’s ability to take decisions.

Is it bad to hypnotize yourself to sleep?

There are many practitioners and doctors who have a good experience in hypnotherapy and can make your hypnosis session easier. But nowadays, use of recorded audios, videos and mobile apps for sleep hypnosis is increasing for hypnotherapy as people think it to be more practical to listen to an audio at home than going to a doctor’s clinic. It is not bad to hypnotize yourself for sleep. The technique may calm your brain deeply making you fall asleep easily. A good slow wave sleep is important for physical and mental recovery and a sleep hypnosis session can give modest results. It should not ve denied that people got symptoms of depression and anxiety after a hypnotherapy session in rare cases. If you want to make the most out of your sleep hypnosis session, then first get advice of your doctor. And, get the service of a trained person to get a high quality sleep.

How to find a hypnotherapist?

It is recommended to get the sleep hypnosis session being held by a professional who have a good experience on doing hypnosis sessions. There are many organizations and licensed agencies that provide services of a trained and experienced hypnotherapist. You can also contact your family therapists, social workers, dentists, nurse practitioners and doctors to know if they use hypnotherapy in their practice. You can also ask for referrals from them. Consider calling ahead for price details.

Other ways to get a good sleep

Apart from sleep hypnosis, there are many easy to follow steps that you can keep in your mind to treat your bad sleeping routine. As sleep hypnosis may not be effective always, it is worthy to look out for these sleep hygiene improvements in your life to promote your sleep: –

• Avoid drinking coffee, tea, sugar and alcohol

You should not drink any caffeine rich items like coffee, soda and tea that keeps lingering in your body even after you have taken the food in the afternoon or evening. As sugar and alcohol also have the same stimulating effect, you should also avoid them for better sleep.

• Schedule your sleep time

Make efforts to go to the bed same time everyday if you are facing trouble falling asleep at night. Our body has the habit to get aligned to rhymes and schedules and going on to bed at the same time each day makes your body believe that it’s the time to take rest. You can also establish a similar evening routine like reading a book signalling your brain to get ready for sleeping.

• Exercise has an impact on sleep

Generally, a high intensity exercise during evening hours can badly affect your sleep. A mild exercise before going to sleep is considered safe and do not affect sleep cycle but it is advised to do workout atleast a few hours before going to sleep. A simple yoga or walking is best before sleep if you want to exercise. Running and high intensity cardio shall be done in morning time only.

• Plan your evening meal

Do not take protein heavy food items that your digestive system will be working hard to process. You should take your evening meal around 1-2 hours before you sleep. Also, do not drink too much liquid before going to bed to reduce the urge to go to the bathroom.

Use of hypnosis technique has made it easy to cope with stress and anxiety affecting sleep. There are many claims to suggest that sleep hypnosis is safe and not dangerous to make efforts towards getting a better sleep. This method has a good reputation because of it’s effectiveness. There are a few side effects but their effect is not long lasting. However, more researches should be conducted to know the working of this method in a more detailed way.