There are many misconceptions about hypnosis. A simple definition of hypnosis is that it is a state of increased suggestibility and concentration. First of all, DO NOT EXPECT TO GO TO SLEEP or lose touch with reality. You will know everything that is going on around you.
On awakening, some people express disappointment with the experience. They insist that they have heard everything that was going on or that they were unaffected by the hypnotist. This arises out of misconceptions they entertain concerning the nature of hypnosis. The lack of consciousness and amnesia which they possibly anticipate is not experienced by the vast majority of people.
Nevertheless, although the individual may consciously believe that their trance was extremely light or that they had not been hypnotically affected, the suggestions which have been made to them in most cases will exercise influence, unless the person deliberately sets out to prove that the suggestions will not work.
Some people will, on waking, insist that they have not been hypnotized. This attitude may be maintained even though it may be demonstrated to the person that they cannot open their eyes or pull both hands apart, or whatever challenge is put to them. Even then, some people will insist that despite this evidence, they could have opened their eyes or pulled their hands apart, if they had wished to do so.
The majority of people who insist that they have only experienced a light trance or not at all should realize that it is perfectly normal that they should hear external noises and maintain rapport with the hypnotist and remember everything that went on. In other words, on awakening, you should feel no different than you did before being hypnotized, but the effects will be there.