The Logic of Sleep-Learning (Part 5)

It is not advisable to try to learn two unrelated subjects in one night; the second subject can diminish or cancel out the first in what sleep-learning psychologists call retroactive inhibition. Good results in sleep-learning lead to still better results in sleep-learning.

It is not surprising that this discovery has also been channeled into the do-it-yourself movement so popular today. Sleep-therapy can now be purchased on a self-development basis. Recordings leading to 'complete mind power' and 'personality integration* are on the market.

A radio and TV psychologist, offers a course of ten nocturnal messages for success, and finds that subconscious acceptance of suggestions of positive ideas outdistances positive thinking on a conscious level by far. He says the fundamental concept is that you are what you think you are, and sleep-suggestion can make you think of yourself as you would really like to be; then you awake and act accordingly, having, through sleep-therapy, changed your idea of yourself.

He offers a great deal of evidence, among which is a case history of an unhappy draftsman who, after years of dissatisfaction, switched to selling and earned more in a week than in three months at his former job.

Another example is the case of the woman whose shyness amounted to terror, but subsequently became chairman of an important organization.

Self-development recordings for weight reduction, deep relaxation, physical well-being, memory power, will power, magnetic personality, self-confidence, vitality, elimination of insomnia, financial success, self-mastery and creative inspiration; these are but a sample. Also available is an excellent series of 'Self-improvement Through Hypnosis' recordings. The basis of them all is the sincere conviction that you are what you think you are. Positive thinking subconsciously impressed into your mind is the same method used to impress technical information, poetry or any other material.

Following is a sample taken from one of these self-help recordings, spoken slowly and with a minimum of inflection by a deep, sonorous voice:

. . . suggestion is the golden key which unlocks the hidden depths of my subconscious mind and releases its strength and power. I am determined to use this strength wisely to produce only beneficial results. Consequently, from this moment forward, I positively will think positively and act positively, so that all my thoughts and feelings will press my subconscious mind to greater and greater positive results. I visualize myself as a dynamic positive person. I feel life within me, vital, sure and strong. My reaction to my environment is natural and positive. Dynamic life courses through me and manifests itself in my optimism.

My life is a stimulating challenge. A joyous, golden opportunity to live greatly, live abundantly, and to achieve magnificently. . . .

The power of suggestion on these recordings has worked repeatedly, judging from the numerous testimonials. People write that they have been conditioned to give up smoking, overcome irrational dislikes which hampered them, converse more effectively (and make more money), relax, make decisions, eliminate worry and tensions, sleep better, develop placidity and optimism, enthusiasm, faith and energy. Nonetheless, users are warned that the Voice in the night' recordings are not intended to be a substitute for psychiatric or psychological assistance or medical treatment.