The somnambulistic state is one of the deepest levels of hypnotic trance, representing a profound altered state of consciousness that has fascinated hypnotists and researchers for centuries.

Definition and Characteristics

The somnambulistic state, named after sleepwalking (somnambulism), is characterized by:

Deep Unconscious Responsiveness

  • The subject appears to be in a sleep-like state but remains responsive to the hypnotist’s suggestions
  • Eyes are typically closed, breathing is deep and regular
  • Muscle tone is greatly reduced, creating a limp, relaxed appearance
  • The person may appear completely unconscious to outside observers

Heightened Suggestibility

  • Subjects readily accept and act upon suggestions without critical analysis
  • Complex post-hypnotic suggestions can be implanted and executed
  • The person may demonstrate remarkable compliance with hypnotic instructions
  • Critical thinking faculties are largely suspended

Altered Awareness

  • Consciousness is narrowly focused on the hypnotist’s voice and suggestions
  • External awareness is minimal or completely absent
  • Time distortion is common – minutes may feel like hours or vice versa
  • Memory of the trance experience may be partial or completely absent (spontaneous amnesia)

Classic Signs of Somnambulistic Trance

 

Physical Indicators:

  • Catalepsy (limbs remain in positions where placed)
  • Automatic movements in response to suggestions
  • Reduced or absent reflexes
  • Slower heart rate and respiration
  • Waxy flexibility of muscles

Behavioral Responses:

  • Ability to engage in complex behaviors while maintaining trance
  • Age regression capabilities
  • Positive and negative hallucinations
  • Anesthesia and analgesia (reduced pain sensation)
  • Automatic writing or speaking

Depth Classification

The somnambulistic state is typically considered the deepest of the three classical hypnotic depth levels:

  1. Light Trance – Relaxation, some suggestibility
  2. Medium Trance – Increased suggestibility, some phenomena
  3. Somnambulistic Trance – Profound suggestibility, all major phenomena possible

Historical Context

The term was coined by early hypnosis researchers who observed that deeply hypnotized subjects could:

  • Walk around with eyes closed while following suggestions
  • Perform complex tasks while appearing unconscious
  • Demonstrate behaviors similar to sleepwalkers
  • Show no memory of their actions afterward

Modern Understanding

Contemporary hypnosis research reveals that the somnambulistic state involves:

Neurological Changes:

  • Altered brainwave patterns (increased theta and delta waves)
  • Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (critical thinking areas)
  • Enhanced connectivity between different brain regions
  • Changes in the default mode network

Psychological Mechanisms:

  • Dissociation between conscious awareness and behavior
  • Suspension of critical faculties
  • Enhanced focus and absorption
  • Increased access to unconscious processes

Natural Occurrence

Many people naturally experience somnambulistic-like states during:

  • Deep meditation
  • Intense prayer or spiritual practices
  • Flow states during creative activities
  • Daydreaming or highway hypnosis
  • Just before falling asleep (hypnagogic state)

Therapeutic Applications

In clinical settings, the somnambulistic state can be valuable for:

  • Deep trauma work and abreaction
  • Uncovering repressed memories
  • Implanting powerful therapeutic suggestions
  • Pain management and anesthesia
  • Habit change and behavioral modification

Achieving Somnambulistic Trance

Not everyone can easily reach this depth. Factors that influence accessibility include:

  • Natural hypnotic talent (approximately 10-15% of people are highly hypnotizable)
  • Trust in the hypnotist
  • Relaxed, comfortable environment
  • Willingness to surrender control
  • Practice and familiarity with hypnosis

Common Misconceptions

Myth: People in somnambulistic trance are completely unconscious Reality: They maintain a specialized form of awareness focused on the hypnotist

Myth: Subjects have no control and will do anything suggested Reality: Deep moral and ethical boundaries typically remain intact

Myth: Only “weak-minded” people can reach this state Reality: High hypnotizability often correlates with intelligence and creativity

Ethical Considerations

Working with somnambulistic subjects requires:

  • Proper training and certification
  • Clear ethical boundaries
  • Informed consent
  • Appropriate therapeutic goals
  • Professional supervision when learning

Scientific Perspectives

Modern neuroscience views the somnambulistic state as:

  • A naturally occurring altered state of consciousness
  • A focused attention phenomenon rather than sleep
  • A dissociative state involving altered self-awareness
  • A testament to the brain’s plasticity and adaptability

The somnambulistic state represents one of the most profound demonstrations of the mind’s ability to alter its own functioning through focused attention and suggestion. While not everyone can access this depth readily, those who do often experience it as deeply peaceful and transformative.

Understanding this state helps explain why hypnosis can be so effective for certain therapeutic applications and why it has maintained such fascination throughout human history.