What are hypnopompic hallucinations and how do they differ from hypnagogic ones?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Hypnopompic hallucinations happen as you wake up, while hypnagogic hallucinations occur as you fall asleep. Both types involve sensing things that aren't real—most often seeing or hearing them, though touch, smell, and taste can also be affected. These experiences are common, usually brief, and typically harmless, but frequent episodes may signal an underlying sleep disorder or other health condition worth investigating.

If you've been experiencing these hallucinations and want clarity on what may be causing them, a free, instant, online symptom check can help you identify possible causes and next steps in minutes. It's a smart, private first step before deciding whether to see a doctor—empowering you with personalized insights based on your unique symptoms.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if these hallucinations need care today Discover likely causes of sleep-related hallucinations Find out if symptoms suggest a serious condition See OTC options for sleep-related hallucinations Find a doctor for hallucinations and sleep issues Understand medically valid home remedies for hallucinations Take a symptom check for these hallucinations

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Explanation

Hypnopompic hallucinations happen when a person is waking up and can include seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren't real. Hypnagogic hallucinations occur when someone is falling asleep and involve similar experiences.

Differences:

Timing:

Hypnopompic: Occurs during waking up.
Hypnagogic: Happens when falling asleep.

Experiences: People might see shapes, hear sounds, or feel like they are being touched.

These hallucinations are common and usually not a sign of a serious problem, but if they cause distress or you're experiencing other concerning symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and whether you should consult a doctor.

(References)

Ohayon MM, Priest RG, Caulet M, & Guilleminault C. (1996). Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations: pathological .... The British journal of psychiatry : the journal of mental science, 8894197.
Cheyne JA, Rueffer SD, & Newby-Clark IR. (1999). Hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations during sleep .... Consciousness and cognition, 10487786.
Kompanje EJ. (2008). 'The devil lay upon her and held her down'. Hypnagogic .... Journal of sleep research, 18691361.

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