Sleep really is a superpower! A good night’s sleep is so important for our overall health and wellbeing. We need to sleep to be able to be mentally alert, feel rested, fight infection, and feel calm, confident, and in control.

When we feel stressed or anxious, from our busy work schedules, family life, or just coping with life’s ups and downs, our sleep is often the first thing that suffers, which then leads us to feel even more stressed and overwhelmed.

There is no single definitive reason why we sleep; however, the latest research confirms that there are some really important processes that take place when we do sleep, including consolidating memory and learning and ‘cleaning up’ our brains after all the busy activity in the day.

There are various phases that we cycle through during our time asleep. The brain normally reduces stress levels during part of our sleep cycle called rapid eye movement, or REM sleep. During this phase, brain activity is similar to when we are awake.

It is during our REM sleep phase that most dreams happen. The full purpose of dreaming is not known; however, it is believed to be when our brains process and make sense of the events of the day. REM is also important for emotional processing and brain development.

Unfortunately, REM is limited to 20–25% of our sleep pattern, so if there is a lot of perceived stress in your life, then you quickly use up the REM, and, as a result, you may find that you wake up and struggle to return to sleep. REM is often the sleep phase that is ‘sacrificed’ if you have disturbed sleep, and as such, you don’t wake up feeling refreshed.

Solution-focused hypnotherapy helps by reducing your stress and allowing good restful sleep to return, especially by improving your time spent in ‘REM sleep’. This helps you get a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day!.

Hypnotherapy is named after ‘Hypnos’ the Greek god of sleep, as in a therapy session we use hypnosis and this state of deep relaxation so your subconscious is responsive to positive suggestions.

Regardless of the condition you come to hypnotherapy for, most clients report improved sleep too!

In the testimonials, you will also find reviews from satisfied clients who came to me with long-term sleep issues and found that hypnotherapy really did make a big difference.

‘Sleep Hygiene’

Alongside reducing stress through hypnotherapy, you can improve your sleep through good’sleep hygiene’.

Both your bedroom environment and your daily routine and behaviours are important. You may find some of the points below of benefit to you.

  • Have a comfortable mattress and pillow.
  • Set a cool yet comfortable temperature.
  • Block Out Light or Dim Your Lights: Try to keep away from bright lights because they can hinder the production of melatonin, a hormone that the body creates to facilitate sleep.
  • Drown Out Noise: Ear plugs can stop noise from keeping you awake, or Listen to a suitable relaxation audio (every client gets access to my relaxation audio!)
  • Try Calming Scents: Light smells, such as lavender, may induce a calmer state of mind and help cultivate a positive space for sleep.
  • Keep your routine consistent, and practice healthy daily habits.
  • Budget 30 Minutes for Winding Down: Take advantage of whatever puts you in a state of calm, such as soft music, light stretching, reading, and/or relaxation exercises.
  • Unplug From Electronics: Build in a 30- to 60-minute pre-bed buffer time that is device-free.
  • Try Methods of Relaxation: Instead of making falling asleep your goal, it’s often easier to focus on relaxation. Meditation, mindfulness, breathing patterns, and other relaxation techniques can put you in the right mindset for bed.
  • Get Daylight Exposure: Light, especially sunlight, can encourage quality sleep.
  • Be Physically Active: Regular exercise can make it easier to sleep at night.
  • Dont Smoke: Nicotine stimulates the body in ways that can disrupt sleep.
  • Reduce Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol may make it easier to fall asleep, but the effect wears off, disrupting your sleep patterns later in the night.
  • Cut down on caffeine, especially in the afternoon and evening. Because it’s a stimulant, caffeine can keep you alert, even when you want to rest. Try caffeine-free or herbal/fruit tea alternatives.
  • Dont eat late: Eating a meal late can mean you’re still digesting when it’s time for bed.
  • Restrict In-Bed Activity: To build a link in your mind between sleep and being in bed, avoid watching TV or using electronics.

Some of these may be beneficial to you, and small steps can help; however, if you have long-term sleep issues, please speak to your doctor or seek professional advice.

Hypnotherapy can really help with insomnia and sleep issues. I have helped clients who came to me with long-term sleep issues and found that hypnotherapy really did make a big difference. Please take a look at the testimonial pages for details on their reviews.

About Linda – Guest blog writer

Linda is a Biochemistry graduate (BSc. Hons.) with 30+ years in the pharmaceutical industry. Fascinated by psychology and the brain’s intricacies, she retrained in solution-focused hypnotherapy to directly assist people. Holder of diplomas HPD, DSFH, and pursuing an Advanced diploma (AHD). Proud member of professional bodies (AfSFH, NCH, CNHC) with an enhanced DBS. Passionate about the diverse applications of hypnotherapy in addressing a wide range of issues. Owner of Coda Hypnotherapy, a solution focused hypnotherapy service in Helsby.