Hypnopompic

Hypnopompic is a term that refers to the visual, auditory or other sensations that a person may experience in the transition state between sleep and wakefulness when waking up. These sensations are often described as hallucinations or illusions that occur upon awakening.

Hypnopompic hallucinations are usually short-lived and often involve sights, sounds, body movement, or the presence of another person in the room. People may see bright flashes of light, patterns, faces, objects or scenes superimposed on the actual bedroom environment. Sometimes hypnopompic hallucinations can be frightening or cause anxiety.

Hypnopompic hallucinations are considered a normal phenomenon, experienced by about 70% of the population. They are more likely to occur due to lack of sleep, stress, sensory deprivation or sleep disorders. Hypnopompic hallucinations may also be associated with certain mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and narcolepsy.

Hypnopompic is a term for hallucinations or images that occur in the transition state between sleep and wakefulness upon awakening. Such hallucinations are often very realistic and can include visual, auditory, and tactile sensations.

Hypnopompic hallucinations are classified as paranormal phenomena and are considered a type of image superimposition - a phenomenon in which images from dreams seem to be “superimposed” on reality at the moment of awakening. This occurs because the brain is still in the altered state of consciousness characteristic of the REM sleep phase.

Sometimes hypnopompic hallucinations can be a manifestation of certain mental disorders, such as schizophrenia. However, in most cases they are isolated and do not require medical intervention. Over time, the brain completely “wakes up” and the hallucinations disappear.