The hypnagogic state is that state between being awake and falling asleep during which the mind is most receptive to ideas, images, sounds, feelings, impressions and intuition. It also the time when people are most likely to see ghostlike figures. (It should not be confused with the hypnopompic state, which is a transition state of semi-consciousness between sleeping and waking.) Some dream experts believe that the sketchy imagery typical of these states can be helpful to the individual in terms of self-understanding. Images are often presented through the individual’s own set of symbols and once interpreted symbols can provide answers to problems and even alert one to future events.
Some believe that taking the time to record these images, feelings and sounds can be just as helpful as recording dream imagery. [1]