As you close your eyes and prepare to drift off into deep relaxation, you find that your mind is filled with racing thoughts and anxieties. You’ve heard that self-hypnosis can help to relax your mind and help you fall asleep, but you don’t know where to begin.
To relax both your body and mind, you can try self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis is when you use hypnotic suggestion to enter a trance-like state of relaxation. If you want to DIY, there are some guided steps available online. Better yet, there are now apps that can help you achieve this trance-like state effortlessly.
This guide covers the advantages of sleep hypnosis apps, how to use them for self-hypnosis, and what makes a good sleep hypnosis app. Read on to learn more.
Sleep Hypnosis: How Does It Work?
You've probably heard of hypnosis before, but how does it work? Hypnosis is based on the idea that we all have subconscious minds. Our conscious minds are only aware of a few things at any given time, but our subconscious minds are constantly running in the background.
Hypnosis works by tapping into our subconscious minds. You can do self-hypnosis by entering a trance-like state and then giving yourself positive suggestions while in this relaxed state. This can help to relax both your body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep.
Usually, hypnosis is done with a therapist in person, but with modern technology, you can do self-hypnosis by yourself. Also, there are now sleep apps that use guided instructions and soothing sounds to help you achieve a trance-like state right in your own home.
Self-Hypnosis Is Possible
Self-hypnosis has been a proven mental health technique for many years. It's been shown to help people relax, sleep well, reduce anxiety, and even overcome habits like smoking or overeating.
Researchers believe that self-hypnosis may have been used as early as 1778 or 1779, when Franz Anton Mesmer, the founder of animal magnetism, supposedly treated himself for a physical issue.
Today, self-hypnosis is mostly used during meditation to help manage stress and encourage healthy sleep patterns. It's easy to do and can be done in the comfort of your own home. All you need is a quiet place, some noise-cancelling headphones, and a sleep hypnosis app.
There are more specific instructions for how to do self-hypnosis, but with the help of a sleep hypnosis app, it’s much easier and faster. The app will guide you through the entire process, and all you need to do is listen and relax.
Pros of Sleep Apps
As we've mentioned, sleep apps can provide a great way to relax and get into the trance-like state of self-hypnosis. Below, we take an even closer look at some of the advantages of using sleep hypnosis apps.
They're convenient and easy to use
Convenience is the currency of our lives, and sleep apps are no exception. With a few taps on your smartphone, you can be guided through the process of self-hypnosis.
They're affordable
Sleep apps are usually cheaper than in-person hypnotherapy sessions. You may need to make some in-app purchases, but the cost is still much lower than hiring a therapist. Today, hypnotherapy sessions can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 per hour.
They're customizable
Sleep apps allow you to customize your experience. You can choose the type of background music or sounds you'd like to listen to, as well as how long you want to practice self-hypnosis for.
They're great for self-conscious people
For those who are self-conscious about talking to a therapist, sleep apps provide an easier and more comfortable alternative. You can practice self-hypnosis on your own terms, in the privacy of your own home.
How to Use Sleep Apps for Self-Hypnosis
Now that you know the advantages of sleep apps, let's take a look at how to use them during self-hypnosis sessions.
Step 1: Find a comfortable place
The first step is to find a comfortable spot in your home where you won't be disturbed. This could be your bedroom, living room, or any other space that feels comfortable for you. Make sure you let your family and friends know not to disturb you.
If you have kids or pets at home, you may need to find a separate space or you may need someone else to look after them while you practice self-hypnosis.
Step 2: Get into a relaxed position
Once you've found your spot, it's time to get into a comfortable position. You can sit or lie down, whichever you prefer. Make sure your body is relaxed and that your spine is straight.
Step 3: Put on noise-cancelling headphones
Next, put on some noise-cancelling headphones and turn on your sleep hypnosis app. Follow the instructions and make sure you're comfortable before you start.
Step 4: Focus on your breathing
Once you're ready, focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths and exhale slowly. This will help you relax and get into a state of self-hypnosis.
Step 5: Listen to the instructions
Now, just listen to the instructions on the app and follow them. The app will guide you through the process of self-hypnosis, so just relax and focus on your breathing.
Step 6: End the session
When you're finished, take a few moments to come back to the present. Open your eyes and take a few deep breaths, then end the session by thanking yourself for taking the time to practice self-hypnosis.
After the session, you may try to write down any insights or feelings that arose during the session. This can help you reflect on what you experienced and can be a great way to monitor your progress.
When you feel rested, you can then head to bed and get a good night's sleep. With regular practice, you can make self-hypnosis a part of your daily routine and reap the numerous benefits it has to offer.
Sleep Hypnosis Apps for Insomnia
We talked about how you can achieve restful sleep with sleep apps. But did you know that you can also use these apps to address insomnia? If you're already in bed, struggling to get some shut-eye, you can use sleep apps to help you fall asleep.
The apps provide guided meditation sessions that can help you relax and drift off to deep sleep. Sessions usually last for about 10–15 minutes, so they are short enough that you won't have trouble following them.
You can also pick the type of voice that you'd like to listen to in the session, so you can find one that works best for you. The binaural beats and relaxing sounds can help you to enter a trance-like state and stay in it for as long as you need.
Sleep Hypnosis Tips to Complement Your Sleep App
Although sleep hypnosis apps are great for helping you relax and get some quality rest, there are a few other things that you can do to further improve your sleep.
Before You Sleep
Make sure to get enough exercise and move around during the day
Regular physical activity can help tire your body and make you feel more relaxed and ready for bed.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evening
These can disrupt your sleep, so it's best to avoid them in the evening or right before bed.
Eat light meals that are easy to digest
Eating a heavy meal right before bed can make it harder for you to fall asleep, so opt for lighter meals that are easy to digest.
Create a relaxing environment
Creating a sleep-friendly atmosphere in your bedroom can help you relax and get better quality sleep. Make sure the temperature of your room is comfortable, that there is no noise or bright light, and that your room is clean.
In The Few Moments Before You Sleep
Think of a positive memory or image
This can help you drift off to sleep peacefully and fill your mind with something pleasant. It may be a happy memory from the past or a mental image of something that makes you feel peaceful and safe. For example, you could visualize yourself strolling on the beach or relaxing in a cozy cabin.
Take a few deep breaths
Taking some slow, deep breaths is a simple yet powerful way to relax your body and mind. Focus on inhaling through your nose and exhaling out through your mouth.
Release any tension in your body
When lying in bed, do a quick scan of your body and let go of any tension. With each exhalation, imagine any built-up tension leaving your body.
These tips can be used to complement your sleep hypnosis app so you can get the most out of your sessions and drift off to a peaceful sleep. With regular practice and a few lifestyle adjustments, you can make restful sleep an integral part of your life.
BetterSleep: The Ultimate Sleep App to Help You Get Quality Rest
Mental and physical relaxation is key to getting quality rest, and sleep hypnosis can help you achieve just that. BetterSleep offers a comprehensive suite of tools that can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
On BetterSleep, you'll find sleep hypnosis audio sessions, a sleep diary to track your progress, and more. Users can also choose from a variety of voice and ambient sound options to create a personalized sleep experience.
BetterSleep is the perfect sleep app for those who are looking to get quality rest and improve their overall health. Our regular users share a profound feeling of relaxation and improved sleep quality, helping them live happier and healthier lives. Download BetterSleep today and start your journey to better sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the right time of day to use sleep hypnosis?
It is best to practice sleep hypnosis in the evening when your body naturally starts winding down. This will help you relax and make it easier to drift off to sleep. Of course, you can also try incorporating it into your morning meditation routine.
What are the risks of using sleep hypnosis?
Sleep hypnosis is generally considered to be safe and there are no known risks associated with it. However, it is always best to consult with a doctor if you have any underlying medical conditions before trying it.
Are there any side effects of using sleep hypnosis?
No, there are no known side effects associated with sleep hypnosis. It should not cause any harm and it can help you relax and drift off to sleep more easily. If you encounter any unpleasant side effects, it is best to stop and seek medical advice.
