- A study in differentiation
Hypnosis is commonly misidentified as sleep. This is due primarily to the fact that hypnotists often use the term “sleep” in the process of inducing hypnosis. In actuality, the term is not used to identify what we know as sleep, but rather to imply a sleep like state known as trance. This essay is written with the intent to identify the similarities and differences between the hypnotic states of trance and the state of sleep. This is an attempt to clarify that misunderstanding and identify common misconceptions between the two.
Simply defined, hypnosis is an intentionally induced state of trance. It is a very relaxed pleasant state of mind that is between full sleep and wakefulness. It is a brainwave state of notable subconscious awareness. The subject remains completely relaxed and often motionless. It is similar to watching a movie, driving down a highway, or reading a book. In the state of trance you are aware of where you are, but you are not focussed on it. Instead, you are focussed on the movie that you are watching, the thoughts in your mind while driving, or what you are reading.
Sleep is a state of full rest. While asleep, the person sleeping is completely unaware, or what is known as unconscious. During sleep there is still a connection to the subconscious mind.
This connection allows for dreaming, sleep walking, and sleep talking.
Both trance and sleep are naturally reoccurring mental states. Both occur daily on their own and are states of mind which allow the brain to reorganize and refresh itself. They serve similar functions when their occurrence is natural. The functions of hypnosis and sleep are different in that hypnosis is intentional and serves a specific purpose, identified by the inducement of trance. Trance and sleep happen autonomously and hypnosis is dependent upon suggestion.
Both sleep and trance can be induced in different ways, using different means and methods. Sleep can be induced with drugs. Some of the techniques used to lull the mind with trance can also be used to help one fall asleep. Some drugs such as those used for surgery and dentistry do not actually put a person into sleep but a trance like state. Trance and trance like states can be induced (as in hypnosis) using several methods. Some of these methods include progressive relaxation, conversational and subliminal suggestion, and instant pattern interrupt inductions. Natural trance usually occurs due to repetitive motion and allowing one’s mind to wander.
Sleep and Hypnosis are similar in that they are both commonly characterized by closing of the eyes, subconsciousness or a lack of conscious awareness, and certain brainwave states. There are many indicators to both sleep and hypnosis which are common, these include: limpness of the body, eye catalepsy (the inability to open one’s eyes), and the capacity for subconscious activity. Common subconscious activities between hypnosis and sleep are walking, talking, and interacting with others and real and imaginary items. People do no need conscious awareness to do most daily tasks; however, when regular tasks are done in unconscious or subconscious states, they are generally less efficient than while conscious. Except in the case of hypnosis where the subconscious person is guided by the conscious hypnotist to do efficient tasks.
Hypnosis is unique in that it is specifically noted to be a state of hyper-suggestibility. While hypnotized, a person walks, talks, or interacts because the hypnotist suggests it. Whereas, with sleep it is an automated motion. One is intentional while the other is heedless. Hypnosis has been criticized as to its legitimacy whereas the legitimacy of sleeps existence is not questioned. Both sleep and trance are states of non awareness that people go through every day yet, only one is scrutinized.
There are several common physiological differences when comparing sleep and hypnosis. In sleep ones respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure all decrease. While in a hypnotic state these all remain relatively normal. Respiration, heart rate, and blood pressure can all be altered with the use of suggestion under hypnosis but, they can not all be altered simultaneously in the same way as during sleep. Although many of the physiological identifiers of sleep and hypnosis are the same, many are different as well.
Both sleep and trance have several stages of depth. It is easier to awake a person who is in a lighter state of sleep, than a person in a deeper state of sleep. Whereas, with hypnosis the depth of trance does not affect a persons capacity to come back to their normal waking state.
In the deepest states of hypnosis it is common for a person to feel as if though they were unconscious. This is seen in their post-hypnotic statements of non memory. The subject may state upon waking that they have no conscious recollection of anything that had just happened. This lapse in memory, often present in very deep levels of hypnosis, is due to a deep subconscious focus. Because the subject is so focused on their subconscious mind he or she ceases to have conscious awareness at all. However with minimal prompting most of the “forgotten” information is easily retrievable.
A person cannot be stuck in a state of hypnosis any more than a person can be stuck in a state of sleep. In both cases the person will eventually wake up. If a person does not come out of a hypnotic trance at the suggestion of the hypnotist there are some methods of waking the person up. It is also possible to leave a person in a state of hypnosis or trance and they will eventually fall into a state of natural sleep or wake up when they are ready.
Hypnosis and sleep are not the same; but, they do have a lot in common. It is easy to misidentify one for the other. Especially when one brainwave state can change and become the other.
(unhappy).