Hypnagogia is a neurological phenomenon that can occur when a person is waking up (hypnopompic) or going to sleep (hypnagogic). It’s an in-between state where the person is neither fully awake nor fully asleep. In this state, very realistic images and sounds can be experienced. Although visual and auditory hallucinations are most common, experiences can range from hearing your name whispered to ones involving all the senses, including touch. They are, in essence, dream experiences that are occurring while you’re semi-awake. These waking dreams can be bizarre and terrifying.
