Hypnotherapy May Help Improve Deep Sleep

In the US, over a quarter of the population report not getting enough sleep, and almost 10% endure chronic insomnia. But new research from two universities in Switzerland suggests hypnosis has a surprising positive impact on quality of sleep.

The researchers, led by biopsychologist Björn Rasch from the Psychological Institute of the University of Zurich, say their findings "open up new, promising opportunities for improving the quality of sleep without drugs."

They publish their research in the journal Sleep.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that although sleep is often considered a "passive" activity, ample sleep is an essential part of staying healthy and preventing disease.

Insufficient sleep is linked with several chronic diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity and depression.

Additionally, the researchers of this latest study say that slow-wave sleep (SWS) 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. However, the team also notes that SWS declines significantly across a person's lifespan.

Hypnosis is a technique that can impact processes that are difficult to voluntarily control - for example, when you are exhausted and want to sleep but are unable to do so.

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.

Results showed that the women in the highly suggestible group experienced over 80% more SWS after hypnosis session, and their time spent awake was reduced by one third, compared with highly suggestible women who listened to the neutral text.

After they conducted additional control experiments, the researchers concluded that the beneficial effects of hypnosis on SWS were attributed to the hypnotic suggestion to "sleep deeper," stating that these effects were not simply expectancy effects.

'Unlike drugs, hypnosis has no side effects'

The research was only conducted in women, and the investigators note that females tend to have higher values for hypnotic susceptibility, compared with males. However, the team believes they would encounter similar positive effects of hypnosis on sleep for men who are highly suggestible.

Maren Cordi, a psychologist involved with the study, says "the results may be of major importance for patients with sleep problems and for older adults. In contrast to many sleep-inducing drugs, hypnosis has no adverse side effects."

The researchers conclude their study by noting that essentially everyone who responds to hypnosis could achieve better sleep with hypnosis.

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277731.php

Asia's First Neurofeedback Conference 2015

 

Last week, I had presented about my work on neuro-hypnotherapy at the Asia's First Neurofeedback Conference 2015. It's a great honour for me to be there as Dr Kang told me that I consider as the first neuro-hypnotherapy practitioner in Asia Pacific Region who combining the EEG biofeedback/Neurofeedback and Clinical Hypnotherapy together. I am not only monitoring the brainwaves but also conducting both therapy at the same time. Neuro-hypnotherapy has shown some very promising results. 

I will share more about my success stories with you guys. 

Stay tuned!

Let me say that I was impressed with all the presentations on that day.

 Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback presented by Dr.Gabriel Tan, associate professor and director of clinical psychology programs (National University of Singapore).

Irlen Syndrome & EEG presented by Dr.Doris.

QEEG assessment on Alzheimer and Dementia presented by Prof. Dr. Norsiah Fauzan from UNIMAS.

Clinical Psychologist Takashi Obana from Japan.

Introduction of Neurofeedback and QEEG at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Consumer Neuroscience at Nielsen

Neurofeedback and Counselling as Integrative Treatment presented by Prof. Dato’ Dr. Susie See.

And more topics about depression, autism, pediatrics and gut-brain connection by other pioneers in this field.

I am very honored to be part of this historic event!

Yup, there's more stories to share.

I love getting emails so feel free to email me sometime for more details.

Success Story (Severe Headache)

The following is a case study of a male client, Ahmad Solihin, suffering from severe headache. 

Headache is pain in any region of the head. Headaches may occur on one or both sides of the head are isolated to a certain location, radiate across the head from one point. A headache may be a sharp pain, throbbing sensation or dull ache. Headaches may appear gradually or suddenly, and they may last less than an hour or for several days.Headache is caused by problems with over activity of pain-sensitive structures in the head and it isn't a symptom of an underlying disease, but it could be chemical activity in brain, the nerves or blood vessels of head outside our skull, or muscles of head and neck or some combination of these factors. Some people may carry genes that make them more likely to develop such headaches. However, through Neuro-hypnotherapy and Serumi Ion therapy, this client illustrates a successful recovery. 

Ahmad Solihin, thin, proportioned and nearly 156 cm tall, is a thirty three-year-old Malaysian. He’s been married to his wife for six years.Besides working as a Project Manager, he also continues his study in Consultant Supervisor on a part-time basis. Juggling work and study, however, has been very stressful for him. 

Mr. Solihin’s complaints presented a list of symptoms associated with insomnia. Sharp pains starting from his cervical region to his lower back are also felt. Additionally, he also feels numbness and tingling sensations all over his body. Sleep deprivation, fatigue and loss of concentration, naturally, follows. 

Taking into consideration the severity of his condition with regard to his resistance to treatment; and from a Naturopath’s point of view, the most suitable treatment plan suggested for this desperate gentleman is Serumi Ion and Neuro-hypnotherapy coupled with proper diet, nutrition and lifestyle change. 

After just one session of Serumi Ion and Neuro-hypnotherapy, an increase in energy in his body can be felt and the pain on his neck region has begun to decrease. Not only that, he’s also able to sleep better on the same day. And what follows after his second and third sessions is equally as remarkable – his severe headache disappears completely! 

“One word – unbelievable!” said Mr. Solihin, his eyes gleaming with gladness.



Remark: Our client's information will be kept strictly confidential all the time. All reviews have been acknowledged and provided by past and current clients of Spectrum of Life proactive healthcare centre (Clinical Hypnotherapist Koo). Clients names have been changed to protect their identity.