Treat Insomnia Through Guided Imagery

Insomnia is frequently caused by anxiety, and some believe that it simply is just another form of anxiety.  Some of the best ways to treat insomnia is by focusing on the root of the problem, and using methods to treat anxiety directly.  Guided imagery is a method that has been around for a long time, and has been proven to work for many people.  It’s easy to learn, and, while it frequently works wonders when used alone, can be extremely effective when used in conjunction with sleeping pills, like Stilnox.

Relaxing using guided imagery is simple.  First, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.  It’s important to relax as much as possible before you even begin, and taking a deep breath is the best way to do that.  Next, picture a peaceful setting.  This can be anywhere, preferable not an urban setting.  A beach or a forest works great.  Some people like mountains or meadows, but make sure your image is close up, not a wide landscape like a mountain range.

Next, add sounds.  Gentle waves for a beach, birds chirping in the forest.  Anything that relaxes you, really.  Then start focusing on detail.  Focus on individual clam shells on the beach, and specific trees in the forest.  Create a path through whatever scene you’ve constructed.

Now that you have your scene, complete with details and sounds, you’re ready to take a walk yourself.  Put yourself on the path, and examine the details you’ve created.  Immerse yourself as clearly as possible in this world, for as long as you can.

While it’s perfectly possible that you’ll fall asleep during this process, it’s not required.  After ten or fifteen minutes, you can bring yourself out of your scene slowly, by counting to three and opening your eyes.  Even if you haven’t fallen asleep, you should feel yourself more relaxed and at ease.