What Happens in the Brain During Hypnosis?
Hypnosis is often misunderstood as simply deep relaxation. But neuroscience suggests something more interesting is happening.
In a landmark 2016 study, researchers at Stanford University, led by Dr David Spiegel, used functional MRI scans to examine brain activity and connectivity during hypnosis.
The researchers identified three important changes in highly hypnotisable individuals:
Reduced activity in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex: A region involved in detecting and responding to important stimuli. This may help explain the intense absorption and reduced distraction associated with hypnosis.
Increased connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and insula: These regions are involved in cognitive control and awareness of bodily sensations, suggesting a stronger connection between attention and internal physical experiences.
Reduced connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and default mode network: This network is associated with self-referential thinking. Reduced connectivity may help explain why people under hypnosis can become less preoccupied with analysing their own actions.
Together, these findings suggest hypnosis involves measurable changes in how brain networks communicate, rather than simply switching the brain off.
Why This Matters to RKPP
At Russell Knox Peak Performance, one of the most common challenges I see in athletes is overthinking under pressure.
An athlete can spend hundreds of hours developing a physical skill, only to become overly conscious of their movements, distracted by the outcome or worried about making mistakes when competition arrives.
This is what makes the Stanford research particularly relevant to my work.
Through the RKPP PEAK Method, I use hypnosis, visualisation, mental rehearsal and practical reset techniques to help athletes develop more useful mental responses to pressure.
The research provides a possible neurological explanation for why hypnosis can support focused attention, reduced self-consciousness and a different relationship with bodily sensations.
These are qualities that may be valuable when an athlete needs to trust their preparation and execute a well-practised skill.
However, the study examined brain activity during hypnosis, not sporting performance, so it does not establish that these brain changes directly improve athletic results.
My Takeaway
For me, this research reinforces an important principle behind RKPP:
Peak performance isn't always about thinking more. Sometimes it's about reducing unnecessary mental interference and allowing well-trained skills to emerge.
Hypnosis is one tool I use to help athletes practise that shift in attention, alongside mental rehearsal, performance cues and repetition.
The objective isn't to remove conscious control or put someone into an unconscious state. It's to help them develop the ability to direct their attention, manage internal distractions and respond more effectively when pressure increases.
Train the body. Prepare the mind. Trust the performance.
Original Research
Jiang, H., White, M. P., Greicius, M. D., Waelde, L. C., & Spiegel, D. (2017).
Brain Activity and Functional Connectivity Associated with Hypnosis.
Cerebral Cortex. Published online July 2016.
Read the Stanford Medicine research summary
RKPP Research & Insights explores published scientific research and its potential applications to mental performance. The interpretation and practical applications are my own.
