The treatment of childhood night terrors through the use of hypnosis--a case study: a brief communication.

Abstract

Night terrors are nocturnal episodes of intense autonomic arousal which are manifested by loud shouting or screaming in terror. The sufferer is not awake and is generally completely amnestic for the episodes. Night terrors and other sleep disturbances, such as somnambulism, are disorders of arousal (Broughton, 1968; Fisher, Kahn, Edwards, & Davis, 1973; Guilleminault, 1987). A 10-year-old white male was treated for a 6-year-long bout of night terrors. The hypnotic induction consisted of the finger lowering technique where the middle 2 fingers were raised and the individual was asked to watch the fingers as they "go to sleep." He was given suggestions for dropping off to sleep gradually and for rotating cycles of sleep. The regularity and continual movement of the cycles of sleep were emphasized. He was also given direct suggestions for not dropping too quickly into an extremely deep stage of sleep. He has not had a recurrence of night terrors since that time (approximately 2 years). Psychodynamic issues are discussed as is the need for further research.

• Authors: R L Kramer
• Journal: The International journal of clinical and experimental hypnosis (Int J Clin Exp Hypn) Vol. 37 Issue 4 Pg. 283-4 (Oct 1989) ISSN: 0020-7144 [Print] England
• PMID: 2793269 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Arousal
• Child
• Humans
• Hypnosis (methods)
• Male
• Sleep Wake Disorders (psychology, therapy)