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I only see black when I try to visualize, EXCEPT during this one situation…

Many a time I've tried to visualize, but I always see black. However, there is one particular setting when I can sometimes actually see images. When I am VERY tired, and I'm in that window between wake and sleep just before I actually fall asleep, my mind will relax, and sometimes allow me to see fuzzy images (usually ones I can't choose or control). When this happens, I am still awake, and I am NOT Lucid dreaming. However, these rare images usually don't last very long, because suddenly seeing images (instead of just seeing black) usually jars me out of that relaxed state where my brain becomes more alert, and then I'm right back to seeing just black again. Does anyone else have this experience?

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Binky Clown
on September 23, 2024

Yes, that is absolutely same for me.

Daniel Partis
on October 6, 2024

Thanks for the link…much appreciated.

Alice Grebanier
on September 27, 2024

There’s an article by Liana Scott elsewhere on this site that describes her similar experiences with the in-between-state from sleep to wakening You might find it interesting:

https://aphantasia.com/article/stories/hypnopompia/

I’m an aphant, but I don’t have these types of visions. I dream, but without visions. But apparently many people with aphantasia have visual dreams, even though they don’t visualize while awake. So, even among people with some traits in common, there is a lot of variability with respect to other traits.

Daniel Partis
on October 6, 2024

What is so frustrating…when I am very tired and relaxed, and finally do see images instead of just black, I can’t help but be a little excited, which makes my brain become more alert, and as a result, the images quickly fade away. But when I somehow manage to NOT get excited, and remain very relaxed, I quickly fall asleep. It’s hard for me to stay in the doorway between wake and sleep. Too awake, or too relaxed…the door closes and it’s all over.