Why do I keep waking up at 3am?
Waking in the early hours can often be a sign that your nervous system hasn't quite let its guard down for the night.
When your nervous system feels safe enough to stand down, sleep often naturally returns.
You may have noticed it's rarely the falling asleep that's the problem, it's the sudden waking, and the racing mind that immediately follows. Many people find the harder they try to force themselves back to sleep, the more alert they become; that's a nervous system doing exactly what it's designed to do, responding to your focused attention, just at the wrong time.
We don't try to force sleep. Instead, we look at what's been keeping your nervous system 'awake' in the first place, because once that's understood, it can be addressed, rather than being fought against every night.
What happens over our four sessions?
I work within a structured programme of four sessions (usually weekly, where possible) because meaningful change rarely happens in a single appointment. Each session builds on the last, giving your mind and body time to settle, learn and change.
Your first session starts with a conversation. We'll take time to understand what's been happening, what you'd like to be different, and answer any questions you have about the process. I'll then guide you into hypnosis, a calm, inward-focused state, rather like daydreaming, but with a purpose. You remain aware and in control throughout. Many people tell me it's one of the most relaxing experiences they've had in a long time.
Each session is tailored to you and builds on your progress, combining conversation, hypnosis and practical tools where appropriate. You'll also receive personalised audio recordings to listen to between sessions, helping to reinforce the work we're doing together.
What people often notice
People come because they are tired of feeling tired. What they get back is bigger than sleep alone: steadier days, a clearer head, and reconnecting with the version of themselves they thought was long gone.
“This is a review from my husband. I cannot recommend hypnotherapy too highly. Before my session I was constantly tired and irritable during the day due to my disturbed sleeping. I had difficulty falling asleep and I was waking up at various times throughout the night. The hypnotherapy and relaxation techniques that I learnt resulted in the quality of my sleep being vastly improved, with a significant improvement in my wellbeing and energy levels during the day.”
Is this the right approach for you?
Sleep difficulties can have many different causes, so your free consultation is an opportunity for us to understand what's been happening and decide whether hypnotherapy is the right approach for you.
Ready to feel truly rested?
Start with a free, friendly chatMelissa is an HPD Level 4 Clinical Hypnotherapist, registered with the NCH, BSCH and CNHC, working with adults, children and teens in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, and online.