Hypnagogic hallucinations are episodes of visions that may be visual, tactile or auditory that may occur between wakefulness and sleep. It may be brief or prolonged and it may happen during night or day. The hallucinations may be intense and strange which can be disturbing or terrifying and it can also cause a sudden jerk or cataleptic attack. Hypnagogic hallucinations is usually happens in conditions of narcolepsy. But sometimes they can occur without having that narcoleptic attack.
Presentations of hallucinations may come in different forms. For example, visual hallucinations may present an image of an animal or person or it can be simply colored circles or parts of objects that may be constant or changing in size. Auditory hallucinations may also vary from just a few simple sounds to exaggerated ones. Some of the worst ones reported are threats and criticisms. There is also a type of hallucination called “elementary cenesthopathic feelings.” It is when the person experiences picking, rubbing or light touching. They may also feel changes in location of body parts and feelings of levitation.
Narcolepsy is the most common cause of hypnagogic hallucinations. But there are also several other causes such as sleep and sensory deprivation, stress, seizures or epilepsy, drugs, brain damage and mental illness. These causes are not fully understood though. Hypnagogic hallucinations have been reported to be common among children. It may be because their brains are still on the development stage as what researchers say.
Treatment of hypnagogic hallucinations includes tricyclic antidepressants which can hold back the dreaming state and some antipsychotic medications may also help in musical hallucinations. Psychotherapy may also help in teaching patients how to deal and cope with the disorder. But it is always best to determine the underlying cause to effectively treat the condition. People suffering from hypnagogic hallucinations should never be left alone to prevent harmful acts and accidents.
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