A web survey of the content, sensory modalities and interpretation of hypnagogic and hypnopompic experiences.

Abstract

Various anomalous experiences have been reported just as people are falling asleep (hypnagogic state) or awakening from sleep (hypnopompic state). These states might be conducive to the operation of paranormal processes but might also facilitate the misinterpretation of normal experiences. It is therefore important to investigate the range of experiences reported in these states and how they are interpreted. Research into hypnagogic/hypnopompic imagery has focused on hypnagogic (HG) imagery and the visual and auditory modalities in particular. Comparatively little is known about hypnopompic (HP) imagery and other sensory modalities. A web survey, with 492 respondents, investigated the relative frequency of sensory modalities for HG and HP imagery, their content, and how they have been interpreted. The results suggest that HG is more common than HP imagery; visual, falling and sense of presence sensations are the most common forms, followed by auditory, tactile, bodily, and movement sensations. Olfactory and gustatory imagery is rare. A qualitative analysis revealed a wide range of themes that apply to both HG/HP experiences, although some only occur in one particular state. Respondents’ interpretations of the imagery included normal aspects of mind/body functioning, possible physical or mental health problems, and paranormal, spiritual, mystical, or supernatural processes.