Hypnagogia: The Unique State of Consciousness Between Wakefulness and Sleep

by Andreas Mavromatis

Dealing with hypnagogia, the state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep, this book provides an account of hypnagogia, bringing its diverse phenomena into a comprehensive framework. Andreas Mavromatis argues that this common, naturally occurring state may not only be distinct from wakefulness and sleep but unique in its nature and function, possibly carrying important evolutionary implications. He analyzes the relationship between hypnagogia and other states, processes and experiences - such as sleepdreams, meditation, psi, schizophrenia, creativity, hypnosis, hallucinogenic drug-induced states - and shows that, functioning in hypnagogia, a person may gain knowledge of aspects of his or her mental nature which constitute fundamental underpinnings to all adult thought. In addition, functioning in hypnagogia is shown to play a significant part in mental and physical health. This book should be of interest to general readers of psychology, mind, body and spirit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Brain

360 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1987

Reviews

[Marcus Wynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ONLY academic/scholarly treatment and summary of academic literature on the phenomenon of hypnagogia — essential to lucid dreaming, accelerated expertise, and enhanced performance. Mastering this state is why so many high tech leaders in the Silicon Valley and “techno-rati” spend so much time and money working on mind-hacks to enable this intensely creative state.

Brilliant and fascinating reading.

[Sophy H · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Well it's a hard one to rate this if I'm honest! This is not the type of book you just pick up on a whim. I bought it as I have been a prolific hypnagogic hallucinator and wanted to see what the scientific community had to say about it.............. A lot as it happens!

The subject matter is fascinating and there is a lot of ground to cover, which Mavromatis does generally well. There are large swathes of repetition however, overly scientific and annoyingly abbreviated explanations, and some tenuous links between various disorders and hypnagogic experience.

I have been reading this on my breaks at work, hence the age to finish!! It's something I would only recommend to read if you have a VERY strong interest in hypnagogia, otherwise leave well alone as you may feel as though you've stuck your head in the proverbial blender!!

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched investigation into what seems like only a trivial state of consciousness...Mavromatis thinks developing good hypnagogic habits will save the world. He is probably right. (better review to come soon)

[Kai Gutzeit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent scientific read on a topic that way too often gets pulled towards the esoteric or even "woo-woo"

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating but sometimes credulous.

[Enya · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The topic is fascinating, especially since it receives so little attention, but the book was very slow-paced due to the writing style. And then there's also the caveat that it was published 33 years ago, which doesn't matter for the descriptive part, but I can't help but wonder how the neuroscientific/physiological part would hold up nowadays, for example the connection Mavromatis makes between hypnagogia and the pineal gland.

[Diego]

Impossible to find for under $100. Anyone got a copy to lend out?