Insomnia and hypnotherapy

Abstract

The effectiveness of autohypnosis, nitrazepam (Mogadon, 5 mg) and a placebo were compared in the treatment in insomnia in general practice. Eighteen patients were randomly allocated to receive either Mogadon for two weeks followed by placebo for two weeks, or placebo followed by Mogadon. During weeks five to eight, patients continued to receive the same tablets as they had during weeks three to four and were taught autohypnosis during weeks five and six. Patients continued with autohypnosis in weeks seven and eight, and also in weeks nine and ten by which time all tablets had been withdrawn. Both doctor and patient were 'blind' as to the exact nature of the tablets which a patient was receiving at a particular time. With respect to waking state, no significant differences were found between the placebo, Mogadon and autohypnosis. Patients slept significantly longer when on autohypnosis alone than when they received the placebo. Significantly more patients had a normal night's sleep when on autohypnosis alone than when they received the placebo or Mogadon. There was a tendency for autohypnosis to reduce the time taken to go to sleep. In view of the small number of patients in this trial and the number of significance tests performed, it would be useful if a larger trial could confirm (or otherwise) these results amongst patients willing to accept treatment by autohypnosis.