Can Hypnotherapy Help My Child Sleep?

If your child struggles to fall asleep or wakes frequently in the night, you’re not alone. Sleep problems in children are more common than many parents realise, and they can affect the whole family’s well-being. From bedtime battles and nighttime fears to restless nights caused by anxiety or an overactive mind, disrupted sleep can quickly take its toll on a child’s confidence and emotional balance.

As a clinical hypnotherapist in Solihull, London, and around the world, who specialises in hypnotherapy for children, I’ve helped many families find calm, restful routines again, often after months or years of struggling. So, can hypnotherapy really help your child sleep? The short answer is yes. Let’s explore how.

Why children struggle to sleep

Sleep problems can appear at any age, but they’re often linked to emotional and behavioural patterns that can be gently addressed through hypnotherapy. Some of the most common reasons I see include:

• Anxiety and overthinking before bed

• Nightmares or fears of the dark

• Changes in routine, such as starting school or moving house

• Separation worries or emotional stress

• Screen time and overstimulation close to bedtime

While these issues can feel overwhelming, the good news is that hypnotherapy provides a safe, natural way to calm the mind and body, helping children drift into sleep more easily and stay asleep longer.

How hypnotherapy helps children sleep better

During hypnotherapy, I guide children into a deeply relaxed state where their minds become open to positive suggestions and gentle visualisations. This isn’t about losing control or being “asleep” in hypnosis; it’s more like daydreaming, where imagination and calm combine to create change.

We might explore relaxation imagery, such as floating on a cloud or walking through a peaceful garden, or I might teach practical relaxation techniques they can use before bed. These techniques help children:

• Release tension and worry

• Reduce night-time anxiety

• Reconnect with feelings of safety and comfort

• Build healthy sleep habits they can rely on

As one parent shared after their daughter’s sessions:

“I can’t recommend Angela enough. She completely reassured and put my daughter at ease, helping with her anxiety. Angela is so calm and patient and taught some relaxing techniques that she will be able to use in the future.” — Rachael

What happens in a session?

I tailor every session to the child’s needs and personality. For younger children, sessions are playful and imaginative, often involving storytelling or guided imagery. Teenagers tend to enjoy more goal-focused sessions where we explore underlying worries or pressures that might be keeping them awake.

For most families, I recommend a series of 3-4 sessions, which may include a personalised hypnotherapy recording your child can listen to at home. These recordings are designed to create positive suggestions and create a calm bedtime routine that helps the whole family rest more easily.

Can parents use hypnotherapy too?

Absolutely. Children often mirror their parents’ stress levels, so supporting your own emotional well-being can make a huge difference. Many parents choose to have a hypnotherapy session for anxiety or hypnotherapy for insomnia alongside their child’s treatment. Together, we can create a peaceful home environment where calm becomes the new normal.

Is hypnotherapy safe for children?

Yes, hypnotherapy is completely safe for children when carried out by a qualified, experienced professional. I’m a registered clinical hypnotherapist and have many years of experience supporting children and families across the UK and beyond. Sessions are always age-appropriate, gentle, and focused on empowering your child to feel safe, confident, and in control of their thoughts.

Can hypnotherapy help my child sleep? How to get started

If you’re wondering whether hypnotherapy could help your child sleep, the best place to start is with a free, friendly chat. Together we can discuss what’s happening, what you’ve already tried, and how a personalised approach can make a difference.

Book a free consultation today or explore hypnotherapy for children to learn more about how I can help your family find calmer nights and brighter mornings.