Hypnagogic

Hypnagogic refers to the state of consciousness leading into sleep. The hypnagogic state is that heady lull between wakefulness and sleep when thoughts and images flutter, blend, and change with a fluidity that has a logic of its own.

Overview

The term "hypnagogic" was coined by Alfred Maury to name the state of consciousness during the onset of sleep. Mental phenomena that occur during this "threshold consciousness" phase include lucid thought, lucid dreaming, hallucinations, and sleep paralysis.

Hypnagogic Hallucinations

Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid, often frightening, dreamlike experiences that occur while one is falling asleep. They can be quite vivid and frightening, often involving a feeling of inability to move, a strong current of electricity felt coursing through the body, or the sense of falling.

Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is a state, during waking up or falling asleep, in which a person is aware but unable to move or speak. During an episode, one may hallucinate (hear, feel, or see things that are not there), which often results in fear. Episodes generally last less than a couple of minutes.

Relation to Other Conditions

Hypnagogic states are often associated with several conditions such as narcolepsy, insomnia, and sleep apnea. It is also common in people with high levels of stress or those who have experienced traumatic events.

Treatment

Treatment for issues related to hypnagogic states often involves addressing the underlying conditions. This may include medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes.

See Also

• Sleep
• Sleep disorders
• Narcolepsy
• Insomnia
• Sleep apnea

References

Hypnagogic Resources
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