Although the word hypnosis was derived from the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos, hypnosis is nothing like sleep. In hypnosis your mind is focused and in most cases alert. You are very aware of what is going on around you. You are actually in a state of what is called hypersensitivity. All of your senses and emotions are enhanced. It is closer to a state of daydreaming or relaxation. You are focused on the words of the hypnotherapist, and outside sounds seem to fade away.

During a session, most subjects will find the deep relaxation so enjoyable that they will not allow themselves to fall asleep as they do not want to miss it. In the rare case that you do fall asleep, the hypnotist can easily wake you in a gentle manner so as to finish the session rather than let you sleep, or in a self-hypnosis session you'll simply wake up after a brief nap.