Guided imagery has been an especially effective tool in alleviating many kinds of sleep disturbances. When children and adolescents have difficulty sleeping at night, imagery can offer a soothing and comforting way to drift off into dreams. Children discover their own solutions by using tools such as meeting a wise friend (animal or human) for advice or receiving a special gift to help fall asleep.
The following "guided" imagery is very effective for deep sleep. The girl that this particular imagery was developed for had difficulty falling and staying asleep because of ongoing stresses in her life. She found that listening to this imagery on tape each night helped tremendously. You will notice the images are simple and repetitive. It is helpful to use a very, very slow voice with relaxing, soft music in the background. You may choose to create a tape for your children or have them make one in their own voice.
"A Blanket of Sleep"
We're going to take some time now for you to relax ... and go very, very deep inside. To a place of peace ... of quiet ... and of sleep. Be aware that with each breath you take your breathing gets deeper and deeper. And your body gets more and more relaxed. Imagine yourself lying down in a wonderful comfortable bed. Perhaps it's like a fluffy white cloud that you can sink into. And with each breath your body sinks deeper ... and deeper into this soft fluffy white cloud.
With each breath you bring in a beautiful golden white light to help relax and put yourself to sleep. This golden white light washes over your body ... melts through the top of your head ... washes over your eyes ... down your cheeks ... your throat. Relaxing ... going into a deep sleep ... deeper and deeper as this beautiful golden white light washes over your body. And each breath you take brings you deeper and deeper into sleep ...relaxing.
And letting go ... letting go of the day ... of the week ... of anything that's being held ... As you breathe this light melts through your body ... through your neck ... into your shoulders ... down your arms ... relaxing ... deeper and deeper ... into your chest ... around your heart. Your heart opens and accepts the healing light ... releasing ... breathing deeper and deeper. Going deeper into your sleep. Easily breathing into your belly ... allowing this golden white light to blanket you. A blanket of sleep. as it goes down into your legs ... into your feet ...
A blanket of sleep tucking you in ... taking you back to a time that you slept as soon as you touched the pillow. Going back into that deep sleep state. Going back to a time that was easy for you to sleep ... where you were comforted and safe. Perhaps it's a long, long time ago. But there is a time where you are peaceful ... and happy ... and you are sleeping easily. Giving you comfort knowing you are totally safe. As you go deeper and deeper into your sleep. Dreaming ... peaceful thoughts ... precious thoughts.
Allowing yourself to go deeper and deeper ... until there is a door in front of you. A door that leads you down ... into a deeper sleep. And there is a special person waiting for you at that door. A very wise and loving person. Who takes your hand and leads you to an even deeper sleep. Where you're comfortable and safe. And all the thoughts of the day are let go. And you're totally at peace ... in your sleep. Totally at peace and calm.
As you go deeper and deeper ... the blanket of sleep covers you. You're so comfortable you find yourself drifting into the dreams. Into the wonderful dreams ... drifting in the warm blanket. Going deeper and deeper, deeper and deeper... into your sleep ... easily. Colors are floating around you. And the smells of sleep and comfort. As you continue to go deeper and deeper into your sleep. Allowing yourself to drift easily. Surprising yourself at how easy it is to sleep. How wonderful. How much you deserve to sleep easily... peacefully... Releasing all the tightness in your body.
As you sleep ... allow your body to rest. Cherish your body. Take care of yourself. All is good ... as you sleep. ......... And each night you go to sleep it is easier and easier to fall asleep quickly. You have peaceful and restful nights ... as you deserve. As you accept that ... you sleep ... deeply.... ......
There are numerous ways to use imagery with children in times of sleep disturbances as well as with other concerns. Guided and interactive imagery have been powerful and effective tools to help children re-develop and re-member their internal resources and strengths temporarily lost during times of stress. We are only limited by our own and out children's imagination. Their wisdom is within; we are merely guides for helping them shine their light.
*Name changed for confidentiality.
Charlotte Reznick Ph.D. specializes in helping children and adolescents develop the emotional skills necessary for a happy and successful life. A licensed educational psychologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychology at UCLA, Dr. Reznick is the creator of Imagery For Kids™: Breakthrough for Learning, Creativity, and Empowerment and is the author/producer of the therapeutic CDs Discovering Your Special Place and Creating a Magical Garden and Healing Pond. An international workshop leader on the healing power of children's imagination, Dr. Reznick maintains a private practice in Los Angeles, California. For information about her articles, speaking, CDs, and forthcoming book, visit www.ImageryForKids.com, 310/889-7859.