Why might I experience hallucinations when waking up?

When you wake up and experience hallucinations, it could be linked to sleep paralysis or out-of-body experiences. Sleep paralysis happens when you wake up but your body can't move, and you might see or hear things that aren't there. This is often related to the transition between sleep and wakefulness.

• Sleep Paralysis: This is a state where you feel awake but cannot move your body. During this time, some people might see or hear things that aren't real, which are called hallucinations.
• Out-of-Body Experiences: Sometimes, when you are in a state of sleep, you might feel like you are outside your body, this is often associated with sleep paralysis. This can also lead to seeing or hearing things that aren't there.

If these experiences are concerning or frequent, it might be helpful to talk to a healthcare provider. For mental health support, visit 988lifeline.org.