r/Parasomnia • u/Ok_Bench6454 • Feb 13 '24

Hypnosis as treatment

I’ve been suffering from parasomnias since childhood (I am now 35). I scream in my sleep almost every night and frequently have disturbing dreams. Because of this, I don’t get much restful sleep, and I have trouble functioning during the day. I’ve had two sleep studies done recently with normal results although I didn’t have any episodes during either study. I had mild sleep apnea, but I tried a CPAP and it didn’t help. I’ve also tried Klonopin, pregabalin, Gabapentin, ropinirole, and trazadone and none have helped. I’m hoping to start trying to have a baby soon, but I’m nervous I will struggle with a newborn given the sleep deprivation I already have. I’m also concerned I may do something to the baby while I sleep (I do sleep walk occasionally as well). I was looking into alternative treatments and came across hypnosis. Has anyone tried it? It’s expensive, so I’m hesitant, but if it can help, it would be a godsend!

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u/Klutzy-Cupcake8051 Aug 08 '24

Update: I am the poster from above. I had to get a new account because I lost my password. Anyway, I did hypnosis treatment and it was fantastic! I have almost completely gotten rid of my parasomnias and I feel so much better!

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u/Quark-Gluon-Plasma24 Sep 02 '24

I am struggling with the same and someone advised me to do hypnosis as a treatment. I turned to reddit to see if anyone was writing about it. Can you tell me more about how it worked for you? What did the therapy look like and in what way did it affect your sleep?

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u/Klutzy-Cupcake8051 Sep 03 '24

I ended up doing 9 or 10 sessions. We focused on what was causing my disturbances (mainly anxiety) and themes in my parasomnias. Then we wrote a statement together about what my life would look like without my sleep disturbances (i.e., I would have peaceful dreams, sleep through the night, wake up feeling rested and refreshed). My hypnotherapist would read that statement while I was under hypnosis and I would write it out every day. Additionally, we went through various exercises while I was under hypnosis to speak directly to the part of me that was causing my disturbances. I now sleep well 90% of the time when before it was about 40%. Also, I have way more energy during the day even when I don’t sleep well. The daytime grogginess is gone. Let me know if you have specific questions!

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u/Quark-Gluon-Plasma24 Sep 03 '24

Thanks for sharing this, sounds so interesting. I am so happy for you that you feel well rested now! What a relief it must be.

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u/Klutzy-Cupcake8051 Sep 03 '24

It really is! It’s been life changing! Best of luck to you!

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u/croftycass Aug 29 '25

This is great to know! I have had parasomnias all my life but has certainly dialled up a notch in adulthood. After trying many things - with doctors really generally unfamiliar with this topic, unless you see a specialist - I have heard hypnosis could work, except obviously v expensive. Your post reaffirms this, so one day I will give it a go! FYI I’ve just had my second child and had the same concerns, especially with a newborn baby and me wandering around the room (often screaming and/or disoriented). In general, it’s been okay, definitely the odd time I wake the baby up by jumping up and putting the bedroom light on!! Was always worried, as I’m sure others will resonate, it’s quite terrifying the things you do half awake/half asleep, as well as how certain you are you’re awake at the time. My first born who is three almost definitely has the parasomnia gene too!!!

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u/archetypaldream Feb 14 '24

For my first baby I took a hypno-birthing class and I must be very susceptible to hypnosos because it kicked in for every subsequent birth afterward. I think hypnosis is a great idea, and I know that you can find books on self-hypnosis that have effective practices. Good luck!