Hypnopompic hallucinations occur when the brain struggles to adjust from a dream state to a waking state, often due to insomnia or drug use. Mental disorders and physical damage can also contribute to these illusions.
Hypnopompic hallucinations, in which an individual perceives visual or auditory illusions upon awakening, are usually attributed to impaired function in the frontal lobe. The phenomenon, often referred to as a manifestation of “sleep inertia,” occurs when the brain is unable to quickly readjust an individual’s dream state to a waking state. As a result, images and sounds from dreams can be transferred into a person’s conscious perception. Insomnia has been identified as the primary cause of the impaired mental function associated with these types of hallucinations, although other possible causes include drug abuse, depression, and physiological disturbances.
Individuals who suffer from insomnia are more likely to experience hypnopompic hallucinations. Sleep deprivation can severely slow mental function, resulting in the frontal lobe’s inability to quickly distinguish vivid dreams from reality. Additionally, insomniacs often suffer from microsleeps, extremely short periods of involuntary sleep. The rapid pace of sleep can immediately plunge an individual into REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the level of sleep most associated with dreaming. A microsleep individual usually wakes up several seconds after reaching the state, speeding through the stages of sleep and consciousness too rapidly for the brain to process.
The use of some medications can also help slow down brain function. This is most evident with sedatives, such as diazepam. Those on heavy sedative medications usually report slow mental function, which, in turn, can lead to hallucinations upon awakening from sleep. Hallucinogenic drugs such as opium, on the other hand, contribute to the development of these illusions by impairing the user’s ability to distinguish fantasy from reality. It is possible that this effect will continue after the effects of the drug have worn off.
Mental disorders involving the arrest of some mental processes can have hallucinogenic effects after waking up. Depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), are possible causes of hypnopompic hallucinations. These conditions are often associated with bouts of insomnia and loss of mental acuity, two of the main contributing factors to sleep-related hallucinations.
In the case of DCS, there is a big possibility that the hallucinations could result from biological problems in the brain. This disorder may be the result of a physiological inability to produce or maintain adequate levels of serotonin, for example. This leads to reduced frontal lobe activity and hallucinations as a result. Some individuals may have impaired frontal lobe function due to physical damage or congenital disorders, making them more prone to experience hypnopompic hallucinations upon awakening.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
