The "Doorway Stranger": A Common Hallucination Explained

Hallucinations seeing someone standing in the doorway at night are far more common than most people realize. Many individuals wake up and briefly see a shadowy figure, a stranger, or even a known person standing silently in their bedroom doorway. The experience can feel intensely real. It may last a few seconds or up to a minute before fading away.

If this has happened to you, you are not alone. In many cases, this phenomenon is linked to normal sleep processes—not mental illness. Understanding what causes it can significantly reduce fear and help you determine whether you need medical evaluation.

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What Is the "Doorway Stranger" Hallucination?

The "doorway stranger" is a type of visual hallucination that typically occurs during transitions between sleep and wakefulness. It most often happens:

• As you are falling asleep (hypnagogic hallucination)
• As you are waking up (hypnopompic hallucination)
• During an episode of sleep paralysis

These hallucinations often involve:

• A shadowy figure standing in the doorway
• A person sitting or standing near the bed
• A sense of being watched
• A feeling of threat or unease

Even though it feels real, there is no actual person present. The brain is briefly blending dream imagery with waking awareness.

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Why Does This Happen?

1. Sleep Paralysis

The most common explanation for hallucinations seeing someone standing in the doorway at night is sleep paralysis.

During REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep:

• Your brain is active and dreaming
• Your body is temporarily paralyzed to prevent you from acting out dreams

Sometimes, you wake up mentally before your body "turns back on." This can cause:

• Inability to move
• Inability to speak
• Vivid visual hallucinations
• A sense of pressure or presence

Because your dreaming brain is still partially active, it can project dream images into your real bedroom environment. The doorway is a common focus because it is a natural "entry point" in the room.

Sleep paralysis episodes are usually harmless and last seconds to a couple of minutes.

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2. Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Hallucinations

These are normal sleep-related hallucinations that occur during transitions:

• Hypnagogic: As you fall asleep
• Hypnopompic: As you wake up

Up to 25–37% of people experience them at some point in their lives.

They may involve:

• Seeing people or shapes
• Hearing voices or footsteps
• Feeling someone touch you

These episodes are especially common if you:

• Are sleep deprived
• Have irregular sleep schedules
• Are under high stress
• Have narcolepsy

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3. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

In some cases, vivid nighttime hallucinations combined with physical movements during sleep may indicate a more specific condition. If you've noticed yourself or a partner acting out dreams, talking, shouting, punching, or even falling out of bed during sleep episodes, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and determine if medical evaluation is needed.

RBD is more common in adults over 50 and may sometimes be linked to neurological conditions.

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4. Stress and Anxiety

High stress can increase:

• Sleep fragmentation
• Night awakenings
• Vivid dreams
• Sensory misinterpretations in dim light

When your brain is on high alert, it may interpret shadows as threats. The human brain is wired to detect danger quickly—even when none exists.

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5. Medication or Substance Effects

Certain medications can increase the risk of nighttime hallucinations, including:

• Antidepressants
• Dopamine-related medications
• Sleep aids
• Steroids

Alcohol withdrawal or substance use may also trigger visual hallucinations.

If hallucinations began after starting a medication, speak to your prescribing doctor.

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6. Mental Health Conditions (Less Common in This Context)

Hallucinations seeing someone standing in the doorway at night are not automatically a sign of psychosis or schizophrenia.

Key differences:

• Sleep-related hallucinations occur only around sleep transitions
• Psychotic hallucinations usually occur during full wakefulness
• Psychosis often includes additional symptoms such as delusions or disorganized thinking

If hallucinations happen during the day while fully awake, medical evaluation is important.

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Why Is It Often a "Person in the Doorway"?

There are psychological and neurological reasons:

• The doorway is a natural visual boundary
• The brain scans entry points for threats
• Human-shaped shadows are easily formed in low light
• REM dreams often include social or threatening figures

The brain fills in incomplete visual information in dim light. This is called pareidolia—seeing meaningful shapes (like people) in shadows.

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When Should You Be Concerned?

Most sleep-related hallucinations are harmless. However, you should speak to a doctor if you notice:

• Hallucinations during full wakefulness
• Increasing frequency or intensity
• Acting out dreams physically
• Injuries during sleep
• New memory problems
• Confusion during the day
• Hallucinations after age 50 with no prior history
• Substance withdrawal symptoms

Immediate medical care is needed if hallucinations occur with:

• Severe headache
• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Sudden confusion
• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Signs of stroke (face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty)

Do not ignore symptoms that could be life-threatening.

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How to Reduce Nighttime Hallucinations

If your experiences are sleep-related, these strategies often help:

Improve Sleep Hygiene

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily
• Avoid screens 1 hour before bed
• Keep the bedroom dark and cool
• Limit caffeine after noon

Reduce Stress Before Bed

• Deep breathing exercises
• Gentle stretching
• Journaling
• Avoid intense news or stimulating content late at night

Avoid Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation increases REM pressure, making hallucinations more likely.

Sleep Position

Some people report fewer sleep paralysis episodes when avoiding sleeping flat on their back.

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Reassurance Without Minimizing the Experience

Seeing someone standing in your doorway at night can feel terrifying. Your heart may race. You may be afraid to fall back asleep.

But in many cases:

• The episode is brief
• It causes no lasting harm
• It reflects a temporary mismatch between dreaming and waking

Understanding what is happening in your brain reduces fear. Knowledge is powerful.

That said, recurring or worsening symptoms deserve medical evaluation. Do not dismiss persistent hallucinations.

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The Bottom Line

Hallucinations seeing someone standing in the doorway at night are commonly linked to:

• Sleep paralysis
• Hypnagogic or hypnopompic hallucinations
• REM sleep disturbances
• Stress or sleep deprivation

They are often benign—but not always.

If you experience:

• Recurrent episodes
• Physical dream enactment
• Daytime hallucinations
• Cognitive changes
• Injury risk

Speak to a doctor for a proper evaluation.

You may also consider completing Ubie's free, AI-powered symptom checker for Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder if your symptoms suggest abnormal REM activity—it takes just a few minutes and can help you determine whether professional consultation is recommended.

Your sleep is important. Your safety is important. And if something feels unusual, persistent, or serious, speak to a doctor promptly. Early evaluation can rule out serious conditions and give you peace of mind.