Insomnia

Insomnia is a symptom, not a stand-alone diagnosis. The Oxford English Dictionary (1998) defines insomnia as: "Habitual sleeplessness; inability to sleep." Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of either difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep, waking up too early in the morning and/or unrefreshing sleep.

A recent World Health Organisation (WHO) study reported that 27% of 26,000 patients in 15 countries reported that they suffered from persistent insomnia (L. Lamberg, JAMA, 20, 1647-1649, 2002). In another study conducted by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence it was detailed that 24% of people in the UK suffer from persistent sleep problems (Treating Insomnia, Bliwise, D.L.,2003).

Underlying reasons

Of course, there is often an underlying reason behind the insomnia, such as stress, depression, uncertainty, loss, worry and so on. Hypnotherapy will deal with these underlying problems simultaneously, bringing relief from stress or upset to ensure there is much less getting in the way of sleep. Lack of sleep causes us to become less resistant to problems and we are much more likely to get into a state over things. This in turn makes sleeping more difficult and a vicious circle develops, fuelled by a new worry....worry about not getting to sleep. Hypnosis is quite simply the best available treatment for breaking this vicious circle.

Hypnosis is soothing and deeply refreshing and revitalizing in itself. During the treatment, the subconscious mind will be directed to allow you to totally relax and enjoy a deep refreshing sleep each night, the sleep that everyone else simply takes for granted.

Don't try to sleep

Studies have found that Trying to sleep is the worst thing you can do because it just causes tension (Say Good Night to Insomnia, Jacobs, J. D., 1999 and Beating Insomnia: How to Get a Good Night's Sleep, Idzikowski, C., 2003). Sometimes the hypnosis is aimed partly at getting you to stop tying to sleep and to get you to simply enjoy unwinding and relaxing deeply in bed. This is the key to natural sleep. Of course your mind will also be given powerful directions to ensure you go to sleep automatically. You may be given a tape or be taught self hypnosis to bring down stress levels, and to learn how to make your body feel very heavy and pleasantly tired. Most children can sleep through noise, disturbance and all manner of situations, and with the help of hypnotherapy, most adults can rediscover the same ability.

How many sessions?

Results can often be obtained in a single session, but more realistically you will need two or three to consolidate the progress made, possibly longer if there are other important, underlying issues that urgently require help. As hypnotherapy becomes more and more widespread there is now no need for anyone to put up with the misery of insomnia and endure its devastating effects.

To discuss whether hypnotherapy could help you, or to make a booking,
call now on 07508 358220 or e-mail emma-louise@hypnotherapy2empower.com