The
term hypnosis was coined by Dr. James Braid in the nineteenth century. He named it after Hypnos the Greek god of
sleep because originally he believed hypnosis was a form of sleep. After further research, he became aware that
his initial conclusions were incorrect and that hypnosis was not sleep. He wanted to change the term to monoideism to
signify that trance was brought upon by focusing one's attention on a single
idea. It was too late though, the term
hypnosis was already widely accepted by this time.
You may be asking why hypnotists still say the word "sleep" when they know hypnosis is not actually sleep. The reason hypnotists still say “sleep” is because sleep is the state that most closely resembles hypnosis. It is a powerful word to which everyone can relate. If you are in a waking state and then try to sleep, you are at least going in the right direction; you are relaxing your body; you are defocusing your thoughts from your surroundings; and you are beginning to focus your awareness inwards. Hypnotists could say "trance" or "go into hypnosis", but most people relate better to the word "sleep".
Even though hypnosis is not sleep, it is the stage before slipping into sleep. Therefore, while you are on your way to sleep, the hypnotist can control the level of depth to ensure you stay in hypnosis. If you go too far and fall asleep, hypnosis is no longer present. Sleep is not beneficial for giving suggestions because the person is no longer aware of their surroundings. They are not paying attention and therefore, no suggestions get in. Otherwise, anyone could walk up to you while you are sleeping and give you suggestions to control you. Luckily, that is not the way it works.
You may be asking why hypnotists still say the word "sleep" when they know hypnosis is not actually sleep. The reason hypnotists still say “sleep” is because sleep is the state that most closely resembles hypnosis. It is a powerful word to which everyone can relate. If you are in a waking state and then try to sleep, you are at least going in the right direction; you are relaxing your body; you are defocusing your thoughts from your surroundings; and you are beginning to focus your awareness inwards. Hypnotists could say "trance" or "go into hypnosis", but most people relate better to the word "sleep".
Even though hypnosis is not sleep, it is the stage before slipping into sleep. Therefore, while you are on your way to sleep, the hypnotist can control the level of depth to ensure you stay in hypnosis. If you go too far and fall asleep, hypnosis is no longer present. Sleep is not beneficial for giving suggestions because the person is no longer aware of their surroundings. They are not paying attention and therefore, no suggestions get in. Otherwise, anyone could walk up to you while you are sleeping and give you suggestions to control you. Luckily, that is not the way it works.
