Do You Fall Asleep During Hypnosis?

Written by APHP

January 10, 2025

 

Will I Fall Asleep During Hypnosis?

Will I fall asleep during hypnosis? It is one of the most common questions people ask before their first session, and the answer is more fascinating than you might expect.

The truth is, hypnosis is something most of us experience every single day without even realising it. It is a natural, altered state of consciousness that happens spontaneously, multiple times a day, in all kinds of ordinary situations.

Hypnosis Happens More Often Than You Think

Have you ever been so absorbed in a good book that you completely forgot where you were? You drift into the world within the pages, lose track of your surroundings, and then look up at the clock to discover that what felt like ten minutes was actually an hour and a half. That is a light state of hypnosis.

It is not unusual. It is not strange. It is simply what happens when your mind reaches a deeply relaxed and focused state.

So Will I Fall Asleep During Hypnosis With a Therapist?

When a hypnotherapist guides you into that wonderfully relaxed state, you do not typically fall asleep. While the experience involves deep relaxation, it is quite different from sleep.

During hypnosis you remain aware of your surroundings and can respond to verbal cues from your therapist throughout the session. You might feel as though you lose track of some of what is being said, but this is simply because you are deeply relaxed and your brainwave activity has shifted into a state between waking and sleeping. It is not sleep. It is something more purposeful than that.

What Does Hypnosis Actually Feel Like?

Rather than sleep, hypnosis is best described as a state of focused attention. In this state you are able to access deeper levels of your mind, which is what makes it such a valuable therapeutic tool.

This focused state can be incredibly beneficial for working through a wide range of issues, including anxiety, stress, and phobias. Your conscious mind steps back just enough to allow positive change to take root at a deeper level.

Ready to Try Hypnotherapy for Yourself?

If you have never experienced therapeutic hypnosis but you are curious to give it a try, the most important thing is to find a properly qualified and insured hypnotherapist. A well-trained therapist will guide you safely and comfortably into that relaxed state and help you get the most from every session.

We have a directory of vetted therapists on our website, all of whom meet a high standard of training. Take a look and find the right person to support you on your journey.

https://www.aphp.co.uk/find-a-hypnotherapist/

Published : Jan 10, 2025