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What are the Pros and Cons of Using Hypnosis for Insomnia?

Anna T.
Anna T.

The main advantage of using hypnosis for insomnia is the possibility of improved sleep habits. There are also disadvantages of using hypnosis for insomnia, including the possibility that the hypnosis sessions might be ineffective, which means money spent on the sessions would be wasted. People who struggle with insomnia may feel that paying for the hypnosis sessions is worth it because there is a chance the hypnosis might work. Some people may not be willing to pay for hypnotherapy because they are skeptical and do not believe that it would cure their insomnia. Even though hypnosis may not improve insomnia in everyone who undergoes it, it will likely not make insomnia symptoms worse.

Studies have shown that some people who struggle with insomnia are able to benefit from hypnosis. During hypnosis, a person goes into a trance-like state, which allows his mind to open up to various suggestions put in place by the person performing the hypnosis. When hypnosis for insomnia is being performed, the hypnotist will likely try to plant suggestions regarding rest and relaxation into the mind of an insomnia sufferer. After the session is complete, the person undergoing the hypnosis will probably not remember everything the hypnotist said, but she may find that she is much more inclined to relax. If the hypnotherapy session was successful, sleep should come about more easily than before.

Studies show that people who struggle with insomnia can benefit from hypnosis.
Studies show that people who struggle with insomnia can benefit from hypnosis.

Hypnosis for insomnia does not work on everyone, and one possible reason for this is that some people are hard to hypnotize. If a person is unable to go fully into a trance-like state during hypnosis, the words of the hypnotist will likely be meaningless and ineffective. Even though hypnotherapy sessions are not always expensive, a failed session could be fairly disheartening to a person who paid expecting an improvement in his insomnia symptoms. Some hypnosis centers may offer refunds if their services are not beneficial, but others may not. When hypnosis for insomnia is being considered for treatment, it is probably best to speak with various hypnosis centers beforehand to find out if they offer a refund for failed sessions.

Each person may find varying degrees of effectiveness with hypnotherapy.
Each person may find varying degrees of effectiveness with hypnotherapy.

It might be a good idea for a person considering hypnosis for insomnia to attempt self-hypnosis first. If the self-hypnosis seems helpful, there is a good chance that a session with a professional hypnotist would work out well. The steps for self-hypnosis often include full-body relaxation, taking deep breaths, and visualization. Self-hypnosis tends to be very similar to meditation, and people who have experience practicing meditation will likely have an easier time with self-hypnosis.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

I'm not an expert on this topic but I read a few years ago that there are serious risks with hypnosis, especially if it's done by a non-professional.

The risk is not just that it might not work, but it may affect the individual's memories in a negative way. For example, I read that hypnotists may cause the patient to develop false memories, or memories that never occurred. They might not intend for this to happen but the mind is a very complex organ. It can make connections that are not intended. And since hypnosis puts one in a trance and reaches the subconscious level, unintended subconscious changes can also take place.

I think that if one is going to try hypnosis for insomnia, it's important to see a very good, experienced doctor who truly knows what he or she is doing. There is just no room for mistakes in this type of therapy.

bear78

If anyone finds a hypnotist who will refund a failed session, then I'd say go for it. I have called up a few in my area but they do not offer refunds. I want to try hypnosis but it's not cheap and I realize that I might lose money and still not benefit.

On the other hand, I'm tired of relying on prescription medications to sleep. Insomnia makes life terribly difficult and I know that if hypnosis works, it will change my life. I think that even if I don't find a place that offers refunds, I will save the money for the sessions. I want to give this a chance or I will always wonder if hypnosis would have worked for me.

fify

I personally think that belief has a lot to do with hypnosis working. So for someone who is skeptical, hypnosis is unlikely to work. One has to be open-minded and believe that this will be the cure for them.

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    • Studies show that people who struggle with insomnia can benefit from hypnosis.
      By: bertys30
      Studies show that people who struggle with insomnia can benefit from hypnosis.
    • Each person may find varying degrees of effectiveness with hypnotherapy.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Each person may find varying degrees of effectiveness with hypnotherapy.
    • Hypnosis my only provide temporary insomnia relief.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Hypnosis my only provide temporary insomnia relief.