What are Hypnagogic Hallucinations?
Hypnagogic hallucinations are hallucinations which occur at the boundary between sleeping and waking. They can occur when people are falling asleep, or when they are starting to wake up, and they tend to be extremely vivid, feeling like a Technicolor Oz after the black and white Kansas of every day life. Many people experience hypnagogic hallucinations at some point during their lives, but recurrent intense hallucinations can be a sign of an underlying medical condition which may require treatment. Visual, auditory, tactile, and kinetic sensations can all be experienced during hypnagogic hallucinations, and everyone experiences slightly different forms. Some people, for example, may feel like they are falling, and jerk themselves awake to avoid hitting the ground. Others may hear voices as they are trying to drift off to sleep, or experience a vivid sensation that someone or something is in the room. Sensory experiences such as feeling like one is submerged in a pool of water are also
Hypnagogic hallucination is episodes of seeing and hearing things as one is falling asleep. These dreams can be frightening and can often cause a sudden jerk and arousal just before sleep onset. For example, you may see yourself falling and awaken with a sudden jerk, just before impact. As the subject drifts off to sleep, he/she moves into a state that combines the environment, of which the subject is still partially aware, with a dream-like state of sleep, in which he might see people and hear them talking. Maybe this is also the possible cause of being stress before you sleep. Some real things happen before you sleep are carried into your dreams. It’s better if you try guided meditation before going to sleep. It’s a good technique in relaxing your mind and it can relieve stress too.
Many people experience dreamlike images, sounds or sometimes smells before falling asleep or waking up. This is called “hypnagogic hallucinations”. Although it is called “hallucination” it is not at all dangerous or a symptom of a dangerous disorder. But is can cause fear and be frightening. Usually there is no specific treatment for this problem.
