Abstract Mkid 15

Objective: After a brief review of the use of behavioral strategies in the treatment of sleep onset insomnia, attention is centered upon one such strategy, hypnotic relaxation. Methods: A specific technique embracing visualization of a garden scene; letting go of problems; and a special place visualization, is described and its application to the problem of insomnia illustrated by means of three case studies. Results: Each of these studies deals with a different type of insomnia: 1) slow sleep onset, 2) waking during the night, and 3) difficulty in sleeping during the day. Conclusions: The success of the technique with all three cases suggests it might well be used more widely in the treatment of insomnia.