I read an article this past weekend about the hypnagogic state. It’s that moment between wakefulness and sleep, the semi-dream state when we’re still aware but our minds are untethered to conscious thought. Research is now showing that this can be a creative time for people, a time to work out problems or discover new ideas.
A famous example (noted in the opening of the article linked above) is that of Paul McCartney coming up with the song, “Yesterday”. As the story goes, McCartney was waking up one morning – in a semi-dream state – when he heard the notes playing in his head. He got up to figure them out on a piano and captured it on tape.
He was sure he’d heard the music before and spent several weeks having people listen to it to determine if the song actually existed. When he was sure he came up with it himself, he completed the song a brought it to his bandmates.
I’ve written before about how many of my story ideas come from my dreams. That’s where I often figure things out when I’m stuck on a story. Being partially disconnected allows the mind to work unobstructed.
The research has also shown that this hypnagogic state usually occurs when drifting off to sleep, but we can slip into it as we wake up, as well. I think that’s due to us having more time to relax into slumber than we do in the mornings when we have to get up for work or appointments.
I’m a firm believer in the hypnagogic state and how it can stimulate creativity. Check out the article I linked if you have a few minutes. And let me know in the comments if you’ve experienced a hypnagogic state.
RB
That truly resonates with me, Richard.
It makes me wonder how many solutions and brilliant ideas are lost in that fragile moment between consciousness and slumber.
The mind, untethered and unobstructed, as you say, feels less like a tool and more like an open receiver.
Perhaps the greatest creative act isn’t the building of an idea, but the gentle, careful work of retrieving what the hypnagogic state has gifted us. A profound reminder to listen closely to the mind’s quietest whispers. 🤝
Definitely, my friend, seems that sleep grants the greatest ideas🌷♥️
I’ve wondered the same thing, Aparna. I know I’ve lost several good ideas because I didn’t write them down at that moment (too close to sleep, I suppose).
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, my friend.
Yes, I read it too. The evidence coming from other sources is very compelling. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Gabriela! I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
My pleasure! Enjoy the weekend!
My pleasure 🌹
This has always fascinated me. I think the closest I’ve came is when I do the tiny (season) poems. They are a one word prompt, sent every morning and I check as soon as I wake up. Once I know the word, I let it ferment while I go through my wake up routine. By the time I’m sitting down with my coffee, usually my tiny poem is pretty much done and I just have to note it down. 💞💞💞
That sounds like you’re in that hypnagogic state, Dawn. The brain is still waking up, which is the perfect time to come up with wonderful lines. 🙂
This has only happened a few times to me. However, I still keep a pad of paper and a pencil on the nightstand so I can jot down the gist of anything that might come to mind in dreams or the groggy state.
I do the same. Those times I forget to write it down upon waking, the ideas vanish.
Yes I can resonate with my dream experiences. I had vived dreams that I can remember from when I was about 7 years old. Lions and baboons chasing me in a maze of tunnels under sand dunes. And I have used my dreams a lot too for creativity… Writing and art..
I find dreams very interesting and important for my life too. The hypnagogic state is my favourite for creativity. I enjoyed your other earlier post too. Thank you for sharing such an interesting post.
That’s fascinating, Morag. I don’t recall many dreams from long ago, but dreams have always been a big part of my creativity.
And it’s my pleasure to share…glad you enjoyed it! Cheers!
Very relatable, some of my best problem or issue solving time
Glad to know others experience this, as well. Thanks, Sheree!
Love that song too! Interesting post Richard.
Thanks, Wayne!
To the best of my recollection, I can only say perhaps. Nothing tangible enough to actually recall, Richard.
Now that you know about it, I wonder if you’ll begin to notice when it happens. Keep me posted!
Will try, Richard. Thanks.
Thank God for Paul experiencing hypnagogic states, because Yesterday is one of my favorites!
And I can definitely relate! Many of my ideas come to me during the night.
I also like to fall asleep with an audiobook on. Sometimes it happens that I dream parts of the book!
I had a friend who talked in her sleep and once I experienced her talking about the economy of China in her sleep. She was studying German, so I don’t where see suddenly got the knowledge from but it sounded plausable to me 🤭
Such an interesting topic to think about! I wonder if dreamng could offer us more. Maybe somehow recording the dream or finding a cure for an illness through a dream! 🤔
Your friend sounds quite interesting! 🙂
Funny how our sleepiness can inspire us, give us answers, and entertain us. I’m glad to know you find inspiration there, as well.