What could cause visual hallucinations when waking up or falling asleep?

Visual hallucinations that occur when waking up or falling asleep are often related to normal changes in the brain during sleep. These are called hypnagogic (when falling asleep) and hypnopompic (when waking up) hallucinations. They are usually harmless and happen because the brain is transitioning between sleep and wakefulness.

However, sometimes these hallucinations can be linked to other causes:

1. Medical Conditions: Some neurological conditions, like Parkinson's disease or certain types of dementia, can cause visual hallucinations.
2. Medications: Certain drugs, especially those affecting the brain, can lead to hallucinations as a side effect.
3. Mental Health Issues: Conditions such as schizophrenia or severe depression might also result in hallucinations.

If hallucinations are frequent or disturbing, it may be important to talk to a healthcare professional. For mental health information and support, you can also visit 988lifeline.org.