Insomnia affects over 40 percent of adults worldwide on a frequent basis, although experts estimate that almost all of the adult population has suffered from it at some point in their life. If you are in the first group, you know how difficult it can be to lead a normal life when you are dealing with insomnia. While there are many treatments available for insomnia, from natural remedies to prescription pills, hypnotherapy is gaining popularity as a tool to deal with insomnia without invading your body and without the risk of secondary effects.

Hypnotherapy can help with insomnia in a multitude of ways. For example:

• Self-hypnosis can be a great start to deal with insomnia problems. By concentrating on relaxing each part of your body as you lay in bed, you can start fighting some of the tension. You can also work on your breathing and find a mantra you can repeat to yourself to help you fall asleep each night thereafter.

• In serious cases of insomnia, looking for the help of a hypnotherapist might be best, as a professional can help you search for answers more effectively, plus give you tools on how to use your mind to deal with insomnia.

• Because insomnia is often caused by stress, hypnotherapy can be used to learn relaxation techniques, and to train the mind to slow down when your body is getting ready for sleeping. Hypnotherapy is especially useful if insomnia is caused by a "racing mind" or excessive emotional or mental arousal, where the mind simply cannot stop rushing through different subjects and trains of thought.

• Hypnotherapy can also help you understand some of the underlying causes of insomnia. Many people who suffer from insomnia don't understand why or how it's happening, and need help understanding the motives behind their anxiety and distress.

• Hypnotherapy can help re-educate the mind when it comes to insomnia. When you go to sleep expecting a relaxing night and good dreams, it is more than likely that you will get them.

  People with chronic insomnia that does not respond standard treatment should consult a doctor, as there might be more serious causes behind the problem.