In a brief review of current thinking of the Sleep Disorders,the inadequacies of tradi-
tional aetiology are challenged.Furthermore,some therapies may be worse than the
symptom.General agreement is that sleep disturbance is but a symptom of an under-
lying problem.However,the latter is very rarely addressed in traditional medicine,psy-
chiatry or psychology.Modern techniques of Clinical Hypnosis provide an ideal method
of identifying and eradicating the true cause-the subconscious mechanisms of survival.
This mechanism involves hyperarousal that compels the patient to remain alert in order
to deal with the perceived threat.The best opportunity to eliminate the symptom and
avoid alternative symptoms in the most cost-effective manner is through the use of
Analytical Clinical Hypnosis.This is short term,does not require expensive facilities or
in-patient treatment.Medical Hypnoanalysis is offered as such a consistently success-
ful method.This includes a discussion of the underlying subconscious survival mecha-
nisms and the investigation and management of a patient ’s symptom.(Sleep and
Hypnosis 2002;4(1):39-46)
Volume 4, Number 1, Year 2002
