What are hypnopompic hallucinations and why do they occur?

Initially we must know what the termnarcolepsy means, which for theUniversity of Granadais defined as irresistibledaytime sleepiness and intrusive symptomsto the elements of sleep.

In this sense, hypnopompic hallucinations are one of the four main elements of narcolepsy and are recognized as those vivid dreams that happen just before we wake up and that make us feel confused with reality.

Next, in this article we will delve a little about thistype of hallucination, its characteristics, causes and how to prevent them.

What are hypnopompic hallucinations?

The term hypnopompic was introduced in 1918 by Myer, is afrequent feature of narcolepsyand occurs right at the end of sleep. That is, in the transitory process towards awakening.

Note: They are a type of hallucinations that make us live situations that do not correspond to our objective realitybut that makes us feel as if it were. In fact, the subject often does not distinguish that experience from a fully awakened one.

Why do hypnopompic hallucinations occur?

Sleep disorders always have an explanation(1). Although these hallucinations are not considered a disorder in itself, they are derived from the fact that our body and especially thebrain, are not a perfect machine, so with some irregularity these situations can happen.

Here are themost common causesof hypnopompic hallucinations:

1. Sleep paralysis

Sleep paralysis is the inability to move or speak while half conscious and can even move our eyes. For that same reason pictures are generated and it commonly generates fear.

To highlight: It can happen as isolated situations , without suffering from narcolepsy being a requirement. They are very similar experiences that can trigger one another and bothoccur in the process of trying to wake up, as opposed to Hypnagogic Hallucinations that occur between sleep and wakefulness.

2. Fantasies and beliefs associated with youth

In the work entitled ” “The thousand hugs of Morpheus ” where they talk about sleep disorders (2) , they mention that the most frequent reasons for influencing this type of hallucinations Include low low self-esteem expectations, negative , low expectations, negative cognitive schemes , , worries and disagreements. relatives etc

All of these aspects are are handled mostly during adolescence , since it is where they are most frequented and seem to settle with greater momentum.

3. Excess tiredness

It is also defined in this area as daytime sleepiness , which is the opposite of insomnia. They are irresistible sleep attacks , especially in monotonous activities.

You should know: These sleep attacks can be the ones that that precede inappropriate brain behaviors that lead us to a Hallucination , even inappropriate automatic behaviors because cognitive and attentional patterns are very different under these effects.

4. Drug and alcohol use

In the article titled “Substance-Related Disorders“, it is recognized as apersistent perception disorder by certain hallucinogens . Delusions , paranoia , fantasies, geometric hallucinations, and false perceptionsare described . (3)

In this sense, repetitive consumption and even in unique situations, if it is mixed or also if not, plays with our mind and takes us far from objective reality tag. It can arouse any number of sensations in us and alter our brain and its responses.

Note: Francisco Roballo, in a paper for the the Faculty of Psychology, University of the Republic of Uruguay (4) , states that, in agreement with other investigations , , exposure to traumatic or threatening events and and the quality of sleep, alcohol consumption and the state of depressed mood are predisposing and reciprocal factors.

What are the characteristics of hypnopompic hallucinations?

The characteristics of this type of hallucinations work around the nature of it . They will then allow a deeper understanding of these experiences and we get closer to the reasons why they happen:

1. They occur upon waking

They are auditory, visual , or even tactile illusions , unfolding in incomplete awakening. They last between 20 and 60 seconds, of what is defined as a stoppage and is recognized because it happens at leastOnce in a lifetime.

2. They are generally visual and auditory

The confusion of the type of hallucinations that occur, , are are characterized by being confused and almost blended with reality , it is therefore that there are sounds and images involved to allow us a quite credible and even tangible perception.

3. They do not represent objective reality

Its link with objective reality is not completely clear through investigations of this type of hallucinations, since they are experiences identified as such but that thatthe subject in question cannot identify in this way .

4. They are physiological

The consideration of being physiological is because they occur in healthy individuals . The changes and effects that occur when sleeping are determined to be biological and it is for the same reason that the changes that can occur from wakefulness to sleep or vice versa would be recognized through electrical readings of brain activity.

So, these small episodes are nothing more than small episodes of dreams that sneak into a space and alter the regular order.

5. They are not pathological

These types of hallucinations are not are not considered pathological when they occur in isolated ways , when they , when they do not develop paranoia and when their intensity is not indicative of psychotic pictures where delusions occur.

6. They are common in childhood and adolescence

It is very common for the greatest number of recurrences of these hallucinations to take place in an age parameter between 6 and 15 years tag. They usually subside later, but it is recognized that mostsleep disorders occur during childhood .

To highlight: It is worth mentioning that in adulthood they also occur, ,only less frequently, even so they do not stop being confused with reality and develop fears.

How to prevent hypnopompic hallucinations?

To avoid this type of hallucinations, which are usually uncomfortable and trigger temporary fears and paranoia, certain parameters have been determined so that circumstances do not favor

Next, we mention and briefly describe What are the main elementsto take into account when preventing hypnopompic hallucinations:

1. Rest properly

Sleeping the recommended eight hours and including long naps (between 15 and 20 minutes), helps to substantially improve levels of sleepiness during the day.

You should know: The reasons that affect or hinder rest must be studied and remedied so that these hallucinations are not generated tag. Francisco Reballo mentions in his research thatstressful situations, jet lag and suffering from a sleep disorder can make the attacks more chronic. (5)

2. Practice relaxation techniques before bed

These techniques are recommended especially in situations of anxiety , which affect falling asleep and which and can cause crossed or conflicting thoughts and be consequent to some type of imbalance.

Note: Relaxation techniques such as meditation and and breathingallow us to focus on a goal and the body and mind relax enough when we are in bed tofall asleep without adversity. and

3. Avoid the consumption of psychoactive substances

Psychoactive substances produce alterations in the Central Nervous Systemmodify consciousness and mood. The influence they have on the brain affects the stability that is required to rest correctly withouthallucinogenic type alterations. and

4. Consult a specialist if necessary

There are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies,that help psychological treatment aimed at sleep, taking care with their relaxation methods of the influence of anxiety on the alteration of patients.

To highlight: : Bhattarai and Sumerall in their research on narcolepsy mention that: “The usefulness of each , treatment option, pharmacological or behavioral , , should be evaluated with actigraphy, if possible, or at least sleep diaries. This type of follow-upallows knowing which options are the best in each case . “(6)

Key Findings

• Hypnopompic hallucinations are a type of hallucinations that make us experience situations that do not correspond to our objective reality.
• These hallucinations are not considered a disorder in itself, so these situations can occur with some irregularity.
• Hypnopompic hallucinations Can be caused by sleep paralysis, which is the inability to move or speak while half-conscious.
• Excess tiredness, drug and alcohol use can also cause hypnopompic hallucinations.
• To prevent this type of hallucinations it is necessary to rest adequately , practice relaxation techniques and consult a specialist if necessary.