You are getting very sleepy. While most people have the image of the spinning black and white wheel when they think about hypnotism, this isn't an accurate portrayal. Hypnosis has been popular both theatrically and therapeutically for centuries and has taken on many forms. More recently, hypnosis has gained a good reputation in clinical practices for a myriad of reasons. Here's what you need to know about the practice and why you should get hypnotized.

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a process of conscious awareness where mental representations override physiology, perception, and behavior, as cited by many credible medical journals. It isn't some kind of sorcery, and it doesn't turn you into a robot. But it's important to note that hypnotized people are not sleeping or unconscious. Instead, it's a hyper-attentive and hyper-responsive mental state where the mind is highly open to suggestions. As a result, a person under hypnosis has full focus without skepticism or environmental awareness.

The most popular use of hypnosis is to overcome bad habits, beat insomnia, recall forgotten experiences, or even help with pain management. But not everyone is susceptible to hypnotherapy, and a single session usually doesn't produce lasting results. Multiple hypnotic procedures are typically for successful, long-term effects.

Why should you get hypnotized?

1. You're trying to quit smoking (again).
   Quitting smoking is one of the most common reasons people turn to hypnotism. They've tried nicotine patches and gum, each a failure. In fact, The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health details studies that recommend hypnotherapy (if paired with other treatments) for people looking to give up smoking.
   
   
2. You can't get a good night's sleep.
   Insomnia and other sleep issues affect millions of people. Hypnosis helps find the root of sleeplessness and recommends strategies that soothe and calm your mind, allowing you to drift asleep. Hypnotherapy is also common for sleep disorders in children, including nightmares, sleepwalking, and sleep terrors.
   
   

3. You're trying to get over a phobia or fear.
   Fears and phobias are prevalent in people of all ages, not just children, and sometimes they can affect day-to-day life. For example, some common fears people try to overcome are spiders, heights, elevators, snakes, flying, needles, and many more. Hypnotherapy can help a person prepare for an international flight or even giving blood.

4. You're pregnant and considering holistic options.
   Hypnotherapy is very commonly used for pain management. In fact, many women opt for this treatment during childbirth, which helps reduce pain, without the use of anesthetics.

5. Your anxiety or stress is out of hand.
   Everyone experiences stress and anxiety. However, for some people, it takes over the body and mind, preventing them from living the life they want. Hypnotherapy for anxiety can help uncover the real issues and offer up strategies to better manage stress.

6. You want to recover past memories.
   Our mind doesn't remember every experience we've ever had in great detail, especially if it was a traumatic life event. Hypnotherapy can actually help uncover past memories so that they can be confronted and overcome.
   
   

7. You're trying to lose weight.
   Losing weight is a different experience for everyone. And although some people can have actual health conditions, a predominant amount of weight loss success comes from the mind, not the body. Hypnosis can address the mind, making life changes and temptations easier to confront.

8. You have an important job interview coming up.
   Communication and public speaking can be a real anxiety-inducing issue for many people, especially when there's pressure. Many people turn to hypnosis to prepare for a big job interview to practice and improve communication skills.

9. You want to stop biting your nails.
   Nail biting is one of the most common habits that people try to quit and fail to do so. Since most nail biters start as children, this behavioral issue stems all the way to adulthood. Hypnotherapy can aid in confronting the physical ramifications of nail-biting to help with stopping.

10. You have chronic, debilitating migraines.
    It's normal to get a headache once in a while, but people who experience chronic migraines sometimes can't even get out of bed. Studies have shown that hypnosis can treat migraines, without the side effects of medication.