We all know how rough we can feel after just one night’s interrupted sleep. And even though insomnia is not really thought of as a ‘disease’ in itself, insufficient sleep is linked with several chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression.
Researchers have found that slow wave sleep (that’s the deep sleep, as opposed to REM – rapid eye-movement sleep where we are dreaming) has a positive impact on memory and immune system function, and during this period of sleep, the body secretes growth hormones, promotes cell repair and improves brain plasticity. They have now found that hypnosis can specifically improve this type of sleep.
The researchers found that slow-wave sleep increased by 80% in women who responded well to hypnosis
Although patients with sleep conditions have been successfully treated with hypnotherapy in the past, the researchers say that until now, objectively measurable changes in sleep have not been proven.
In order to further investigate, the team conducted a study with 70 healthy young women who came to the sleep laboratory for a 90-minute nap during midday.
During their nap, the researchers objectively measured their sleep by recording electrical brain activity with an electroencephalogram (EEG). The team says slow-wave sleep is characterized by an even and slow oscillation in electrical activity in the brain.
Hypnosis yielded 80% more slow-wave sleep for those who respond to it.
All I have to go on is when my clients report back feeling ‘calmer and just generally more rested, sleeping much better’ but it’s great to have solid evidence for this.
Sleep well,
Wendy x
