To be or not to be hallucinating: Implications of hypnagogic/hypnopompic experiences and lucid dreaming for brain disorders.
PNAS Nexus December 19, 2023 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad442 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractHypnagogic (sleep-onset) and hypnopompic (awakening) experiences, including vivid dream-like perceptions without external stimuli, share neural mechanisms with pathological hallucinations in brain disorders such as Parkinson's disease and psychosis. Lucid dreaming, where the dreamer becomes aware of dreaming, may offer insights into these mechanisms. The authors suggest that studying these common sleep phenomena can illuminate the brain's reality-creation processes and inform understanding of neurological and mental health conditions. Recognizing the continuum between normal sleep experiences and pathological hallucinations could improve diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Lucid dreaming |
| Keywords | Vivid perceptions Dream-like perceptions Common "hallucinations" Pathological hallucinations Sleep onset |
| Citations | 17 |
| Key finding | Hypnagogic/hypnopompic experiences and lucid dreaming share neural underpinnings with pathological hallucinations, suggesting a continuum that can inform understanding of brain disorders. |
Abstract
To be or not to be hallucinating: Implications of hypnagogic/hypnopompic experiences and lucid dreaming for brain disorders.