They arehallucinationsthat occur during the transitions between wakefulness and sleep and can feel very realistic and be vividly experienced.
Learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of hypnagogic hallucinations.
They also occur slightly more often in women than in men.
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Hypnagogic hallucinations and sleep paralysis often co-occur in people with narcolepsy.
It may be difficult to recognize that the paralysis is fleeting.
Hypnagogic Hallucinations Causes
These episodes can occur sporadically and they may not be significant.
However, sometimes, hypnagogic hallucinations can indicate a problem.
If they occur frequently, they may be upsetting and the disturbed sleep may lead to insomnia.
In particular, hypnagogic hallucinations are one of the cardinal symptoms of the sleep disordernarcolepsy.
Hypnagogic Hallucinations vs. Dreaming
Hypnagogic hallucinations are typically brief images or sounds that are perceived as real.
You may be unable to identify what is real and what isnt for a few minutes.
You may need to be referred to a board-certified sleep specialist or observed for further evaluation.
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that shows up when the brain fails to effectively regulate sleep-wake cycles.
It may be associated with recurrent hypnagogic hallucinations.
Narcolepsy can lead to a person feeling excessively sleepy during the day.
It may cause an irresistible urge to fall asleep during typical waking hours.
Accordingly, narcolepsy is commonly associated with “excessive uncontrollable daytime sleepiness.”
It may also be associated with other symptoms, includingcataplexy.Cataplexy is physical weakness associated with an emotion.
For example, laughing, feeling scared, or telling a joke may prompt a sudden, transient weakness.
Treatment for Hypnagogic Hallucinations
Infrequent hypnagogic hallucinations do not require treatment and simple reassurance may be enough.
If a cause can be identified, eliminating it may be the most effective solution.
The treatment of hypnagogic hallucinations may depend on behavioral changes and the use of medications that stabilize sleep.
It is important to keep a regular sleep-wake schedule with a consistent wake time and bedtime.
There should be an adequate amount of time spent in bed to meet your sleep needs.
Sleep deprivation should be avoided.
Summary
Hypnagogic hallucinations are hallucinations that occur during the transitions between wakefulness and sleep.
They may occasionally occur with no consequence.
Treatment may provide effective relief and make the transition to sleep easier.
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