Hypnagogic and Hypnopompic Hallucinations - A Normal Phenomenon While Falling in or out of sleep

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses hypnagogic (while falling into sleep) and hypnopompic (while coming out of sleep) hallucinations. These phenomenon are normal and will occur at least once, for most individuals. With that being said, they can be rather distressing, and psycho-education about them, can be very important to prevent anxiety related to sleep, which can result in insomnia (or worsening of insomnia). With all of that being said, hypnagogic and hypnopompic hallucinations do tend to occur more often in individuals with narcolepsy, insomnia, and some mental health conditions, so if someone is experiencing these conditions, it may be prudent to speak with a mental health professional. However, they are NOT to be treated with antipsychotic or neuroleptic medications, as they are not true hallucinations.

Dr. Pagnani is the founder and medical director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry, he supervises psychiatric residents at Jefferson Hospital, he serves on the Young Professional Board of Uplift, the Center for Grieving Children and he maintains a private practice of Psychiatry in Philadelphia where he sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations and second opinions. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in NJ, PA, NY, MD, DE, FL and CA and can provide consultations to individuals via HIPAA compliant Telehealth visits living in these locations.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private practice of psychiatry consisting of about 25 psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists with physical locations in Philadelphia and Paoli, PA and serving all of PA, NJ, NY and FL virtually via HIPAA compliant tele-psychiatry. Individuals seeking not only evaluations but long-term psychiatric care, can contact Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates directly.

These videos aim to increase awareness and discussion of mental health topics and to encourage struggling individuals to schedule an appointment directly with a mental health provider. Mental health needs to be normalized, and simply speaking about mental health topics openly, is an important first step.

Dr. Pagnani and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications for any specific individual. Additionally, any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects or contraindications to taking any mentioned medications, and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

This video is INFORMATIVE ONLY - NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.

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