After hypnosis, most people feel relaxed, light and a little clearer in the head. Some also feel tired, emotional or slightly groggy. That’s normal and usually gone by the same or the next day.
In my experience, only a minority have unpleasant aftereffects, at most about 10% of my clients. With more intense topics, they can last up to 5 days. And if you don’t feel anything special, that’s fine too: hypnosis can work with or without noticeable changes.
How do you feel after hypnosis?
Most people describe three things:
- In the body: calm, heavy or pleasantly light, as after a deep afternoon nap. The trance has relaxed body and mind.
- In the head: clearer and more focused, sometimes with new insights. Others perceive colors more intensely or feel a kind of inner glow.
- Emotionally: more open, more at peace, sometimes moved. You may feel more connected to yourself or to other people.
Everyone reacts differently. So don’t worry if your experience differs from what you expected or heard from others.
Tip: Take some time for yourself after each session, for example a walk in nature. It helps with exhaustion and gives the session room to settle.
What should you keep in mind after hypnosis?
- Let it work. Feel as much as possible and judge as little as possible. Wanting to understand everything right away can sometimes reduce the effect.
- Give yourself some rest. Drink enough water and avoid going straight back to a screen if you can.
- Be careful in traffic. Only drive once you’re fully awake, and don’t operate heavy machinery before then. There’s more on this in Driving after hypnosis.
- Be patient. Many effects don’t show up right after the session but later, in everyday life. More on this in How fast does hypnosis work?
Why your body speaks up after trance
What we call symptoms after hypnosis is often a sign that something is happening inside. If we want to build a new house, we often have to tear down the old one first. That naturally kicks up some dust.
Often, the body also shows what the unconscious recommends: if you’re tired after hypnosis, a nap is a good idea. Strange and confusing dreams are normal too, because dreams are part of the language of the unconscious. If a dream keeps coming back, discuss it with your hypnotherapist. It’s often a sign that the unconscious is still stuck on a topic.
List of (rare) symptoms after hypnosis
Most of my clients have no negative sensations after hypnosis. This list only shows what’s possible, so that nothing has to alarm you if you do come across it.
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Confusion or disorientation
- Vivid dreams
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Headaches or migraines
- Feeling emotionally vulnerable or sensitive
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling feverish or sick
- Queasiness or restlessness
- Increased thirst or dry mouth
- Muscle weakness or tension
These symptoms usually go away very quickly, especially if you look after yourself. Mostly they’re gone by the same or the next day. With more intense topics, they can last up to 5 days.
Initial worsening after hypnosis: how long does it last?
An initial worsening, as you may know it from some other treatments, isn’t part of hypnosis. If something feels more unpleasant at first anyway, that’s usually not a step back. Your unconscious touched something in the trance that had been put away for a long time, and it’s now sorting it out. It means well.
In the vast majority of cases, this is over by the same or the next day, or after about 5 days with more intense topics. If it gets stronger rather than weaker, or lasts longer, get in touch with your hypnotherapist. It can be looked at directly in the next session.
Headaches after hypnosis
Headaches come up mainly when a lot of tension got moving during the trance. Water, fresh air and some rest often help. They’re usually gone within a few hours. Have severe, unusual or persistent headaches checked by a doctor, even if you’re currently in hypnotherapy.
Exhaustion after hypnosis
It’s not unusual to feel exhausted after a hypnotic trance. A lot often happens emotionally, and that’s tiring for body and mind. The exhaustion usually passes quickly with a little rest. A nap or a walk helps the body recover.
Often, the tiredness is even a good sign, because it shows how much inner work got done.
Sad after hypnosis
It happens now and then that people feel sad or low after hypnosis. That doesn’t mean the hypnosis made you sad. It connected you with your feelings. Feelings we classify as negative often get repressed, and in trance the contact with them comes back.
This sadness usually passes after a while, once the emotions have been processed. If it stays or weighs heavily on you, talk to your hypnotherapist or your doctor.
Confused after the hypnotic trance
Many of my clients experience a certain confusion after the trance. Especially the first time, it can be confusing for the conscious mind to find out what’s inside you.
As long as it’s “deliciously confused,” as I usually say, everything is fine. Hypnosis gives the unconscious more space, and by definition that can’t be consciously understood.
Shaking after hypnosis
Slight shaking can occur after a session while your body comes back from deep relaxation. It usually fades quickly and has no lasting consequences. Take a few deep breaths, move slowly and drink some water. If it lasts longer than a few minutes, talk to your hypnotherapist.
Diarrhea after hypnosis
Diarrhea is rare, but it can occur, mainly after emotionally intense sessions. The exact cause isn’t known. The body is probably reacting to emotional tension, since the gut and stress are closely linked. If it lasts longer than a day or two, have it checked by a doctor.
Sick after hypnosis
Hypnosis can set many unconscious changes in motion, and these take time and rest. If you’re exhausted afterwards and don’t give yourself a break, you may get sick more easily. I sometimes experience it as the unconscious hitting the brakes. Take that as an invitation to rest.
But an illness usually has an ordinary cause too. So treat it the way you normally would, and see a doctor if needed.
Fever after hypnosis
Rarely, a fever-like feeling comes up after a session: you feel hot and sweaty, or you shiver. It usually passes quickly, and withdrawing a little does you good. Drink enough and wear light clothing.
Take your temperature if you’re not sure. Real or persistent fever very likely has another cause and should be checked by a doctor.
When to get in touch
- The symptoms last longer than about 5 days.
- They get stronger rather than weaker.
- You feel under heavy psychological strain or no longer feel safe. In that case, please contact your doctor or an emergency service right away.
Always have physical complaints checked by a doctor as well, rather than automatically putting them down to hypnosis.
Conclusion
After hypnosis, most people feel relaxed and light. Tiredness, dreams or strong feelings can occur, and they usually pass quickly if you look after yourself. Hypnosis should always be guided by a qualified hypnotherapist who can judge what suits you.
If you have questions about your reactions or want to work on an issue yourself, I can be reached from anywhere via online hypnotherapy. You can also contact me directly or book an appointment.
