The Science behind the Magic
Sleeptime Therapy® was developed using a range of methodologies, therapies, modalities, and systems including Hypnotherapy, CBT, Psychotherapy, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Neuroscience and more.
Many of these elements have vast amounts of research and case work to support their individual efficacy with patients of all ages. We have taken the elements that have proven most effective in our clinical environment and combined them to create Sleeptime Therapy®.
Below is more information on some of these components.
A foundation in science and research
At its core, Sleeptime Therapy® is a combination of the most effective components of neuroscience, euro-plasticity, hypnotherapy, brainwave entrainment, dynamic behavioural change, cognitive behaviour therapy, near-linguistic programming and much more.
By combining these various modality, each with its own extensive collection of research and proven results, Sleeptime Therapy® brings together the best of therapy into a simple, yet powerful vehicle to transformation.
Below you will find information about the research and efficacy of individual modalities and tools that help form the foundation of Sleeptime Therapy® as well as references to relevant studies and research papers.
Hypnotherapy
Research suggests that hypnotherapy holds promise across various disorders and issues, with notable effectiveness in addressing anxiety disorders and trauma-related conditions (1,2). In summary, understanding hypnosis proves beneficial in clinical practice, and hypnotherapy emerges as a valuable supportive therapy in both cognitive-behavioural treatment and family therapy contexts. The findings emphasise the versatility of hypnotherapy in addressing a broad spectrum of challenges.
It has also appeared to be an efficient therapy for insomnia in school aged children, and as an effective therapy for exam stress in older children (3), as well as showing evidence to support improved self- esteem in children with ADHD (4).
Further, hypnotherapy has shown to be effective in reducing acute pain during medical situations as well as chronic pain (5).
Meditation
There is growing evidence that hypnotherapy, guided imagery and mediation is effective in helping with mental health problems, high blood pressure, behavioural problems and learning disabilities.
Brain Wave Frequencies
From birth to age 2, the human brain predominantly operates in the Delta wave cycle, ranging from 0.5 to 4 cycles per second. This deep-sleep state, akin to adults in profound slumber, explains why newborns struggle to stay awake for extended periods. Even at one year old, though more awake, they primarily engage with their subconscious mind, characterised by minimal critical thinking or judgment.
Wave frequencies ranging from 4 to 8 cycles per second, known as Theta waves, dominate in children aged 2 to 6. In this Theta state, children deeply connect with their internal world, immersed in imagination and daydreaming. Critical and rational thinking is still developing, making it a super learning phase where children are highly receptive to suggestions. In this state, they tend to accept information as true. Interestingly, individuals in hypnosis and certain animals also operate within this Theta frequency.
Between ages 5 and 8, the brain waves transition to an Alpha frequency, spanning 8 to 13 cycles per second. This marks the onset of the analytical mind, as children begin to interpret and draw conclusions from their surroundings. Despite this cognitive development, the inner world of imagination remains vivid and comparable to the outer world of reality. In this phase, children often engage both left and right brain hemispheres simultaneously. Similar to individuals in meditation or a light trance, those in the Alpha frequency experience a peaceful, relaxed yet alert state, fostering powerful ideas and inspiration. This state is particularly conducive to brainstorming, idea generation, and learning—a valuable insight for educators emphasising the importance of a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment for children.
Between ages 8 to 12 and beyond, brain activity surges to frequencies surpassing 13 cycles per second, signalling the realm of conscious, analytical thinking. In this state, the Beta brainwave state, the mind is awake, focused, and alert, showcasing the capacity for logical thinking. It's worth noting that adults predominantly operate within this cognitive cycle (6).
From the information above, it's evident that a pivotal period for instilling positive self-beliefs in our children is between ages 0 to 6. During this timeframe, the messages absorbed about themselves and life become deeply ingrained. It's crucial to convey affirmative messages at this stage, as they are readily accepted as true. Negative comments like "Your sister is smarter than you" or "You are clumsy" can significantly impact them. Providing children with a robust, positive, and healthy belief system is a powerful tool. Later in life, clients often grapple with limiting beliefs such as "I'm not good enough," "I'm not deserving," "I'm worthless," and "I am unlovable," which typically trace back to unintentional installations during the formative years of 0 to 6 by well-meaning parents.
Neuroscience
Neuroscience, at its core, is the scientific exploration of the nervous system, particularly the brain and its intricate workings. It delves into the structure and function of the nervous system to decipher how it influences behaviour, cognition, and emotions. From understanding the neural circuits that control movement to unraveling the complexities of memory and decision-making, neuroscience seeks to uncover the biological mechanisms that underlie our thoughts and actions. This multidisciplinary field employs a range of techniques, including advanced imaging technologies and molecular biology, to analyse the brain's intricate network of neurones. Through this study, scientists aim to gain insights into neurological disorders, cognitive processes, and the fundamental nature of consciousness.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and change. It allows the brain to reorganise itself by forming new connections between neurones and adjust existing ones based on experiences and learning. This flexibility is what enables us to acquire new skills, recover from injuries, and continually adapt to the challenges and opportunities life presents. In essence, neuroplasticity reflects the brain's dynamic nature, showcasing its capacity for growth and resilience throughout our lives.
References
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https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1359104508090601
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https://bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2431-6-23
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https://www.ejpn-journal.com/article/S1090-3798(17)31549-0/fulltext
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https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2042-7166.2012.01146.x
From this we can understand that Sleeptime Therapy® can be a vital tool in establishing positive, empowering beliefs and thought structures, especially in young minds. With children up to the age of 12 predominantly being in a brainwave pattern that is open to receiving subconscious suggestion, it also shows that Sleeptime Therapy® can be effective even if the child is not asleep when listening to the audios.