Sheikh, Anees A

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Marquette Universitye-Publications@MarquettePsychology Faculty Research and Publications Psychology, Department of12-1-1976Treatment of Insomnia through Eidetic Imagery: ANew TechniqueAnees A. SheikhMarquette University, anees.sheikh@marquette.eduAccepted version. Perceptual and Motor Skills, Vol. 43, No. 3 (December 1, 1976): 994. DOI. © 1976SAGE Publication. Used with permission.                                                                                                              Marquette Universitye-Publications@MarquetteFaculty Research and Publications/CollegeThis paper is NOT THE PUBLISHED VERSION; but the author’s final, peer-reviewed manuscript. Thepublished version may be accessed by following the link in the citation below.Perceptual and Motor Skills, Vol. 43, No. 3 (December 1, 1978): 994. DOI. This article is © SAGEPublications and permission has been granted for this version to appear in e-Publications@Marquette. SAGE Publications does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from SAGE Publications. Treatment of Insomnia through EideticImagery: A New TechniqueAnees A. SheikhPsychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WIThis technique for the cure of insomnia has been developed by me within the general theoretical framework of Eidetic Psychotherapy which was originated by Akhter Ahsen and is based upon the elicitation andmanipulation of eidetic images (Ahsen, 1968; Sheikh & Panagiotou, 1975). More specifically, Ahsen hasdemonstrated that eidetic images reenact symbolic as well as memory elements from conflictual situations inthe past; and their mere enactment is not enough to overcome the recurring tendency in the original traumaticevents. Ahsen indicates chat often it is necessary to "redirect the individual from traumatic fixation to releaseand expression." This eidetic phenomenon underlies the following technique.During the first stage of this treatment for insomnia the subject is asked to recall occasions from his pastwhen he was extremely tired and sleepy but had to ward off sleep due to external demands. For example, he may have had to force himself to remain awake in order to study for an important examination, to prepare alecture, or to supervise a machine during the night shift. In all of these situations, the organism's need for sleepis pitted against a rational and often success-oriented demand, and it is always the latter which wins.As the subject imagines himself to be in one of these situations and concentrates on this image, hebecomes drowsy. He is instructed that at this point he should disregard the rational demand and thus reversethe results of the conflict berween this demand and the bodily need for sleep. For instance, he could tell himself,"May the devil take the exam (or supervise the machine), I am going to sleep." Thereupon, ic has been observed,the subject does in effect fall asleep.                                         All images of the above type will be effective in eliciting sleepiness, but some may be more potent thanothers. The subject can best find the one which is most suitable through initial exploration. My use of thistechnique hitherto has yielded excellent results. Currently I am gathering more data on the subject and hope topresent a more detailed report before long. Perhaps other clinicians would be interested in trying thistechnique. I would be most interested in learning about their experiences.'REFERENCESAHSEN, A. Basic concepts in Eidetic Psychotherapy. New York: Brandon House, 1968.SHEIKH, A . A., & PANAGIOTOU, N. C. Use of mental imagery in psychotherapy: a critical review. Perceptad and Motor Skills, 1975,41, 555-585. (Monograph Supplement 2-V41)

Treatment of Insomnia through Eidetic Imagery: A New Technique

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Treatment of Insomnia through Eidetic Imagery: A New Technique

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