Are Dreams and Hallucinations Similar from a Neurological Perspective?

  • Context: Medical 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Nuklear
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SUMMARY

This discussion explores the neurological differences between dreams and hallucinations, emphasizing that dreams occur during sleep while hallucinations typically happen while awake. Key points include the activation of 5-HT2a receptors in hallucinations, which is not involved in dreaming. Participants noted that dreaming is a complex process influenced by memory consolidation and brain activity, while hallucinations can stem from mental disorders or drug use. The conversation highlights the need for further research into the mechanisms behind dreaming and hallucinations to clarify their distinctions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 5-HT2a receptor activation and its role in hallucinations.
  • Knowledge of REM sleep cycles and their relation to dreaming.
  • Familiarity with mental health disorders such as schizophrenia and their impact on perception.
  • Basic concepts of memory consolidation and brain activity during sleep.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of 5-HT2a receptors in hallucinogenic experiences.
  • Investigate the mechanisms of memory consolidation during REM sleep.
  • Explore the neurological basis of hallucinations in mental health disorders.
  • Study the effects of sleep aids on dream recall and hallucination frequency.
USEFUL FOR

Neuroscientists, psychologists, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in the complexities of human consciousness and perception.

  • #31
raolduke said:
Repression.. Yes.

What can you conclude about those who can be affected by hypnosis?

hypnosis seems to create a focus of attention on the result of imagination while giving them the apparent level of energy necessary to be perceived as reality. Many people who are good subjects for hypnosis may be living in a state of mind that is part dream part real most of the time and so its easier for them to accept suggestions of imagined events as real events... Stage hypnotists have ways of combing the audiance for just such people. One thing I heard a while back is that even people who are normally not suseptible to suggestion can be pushed over the edge by a bit of trickery, like telling them that they see everying becoming reddish, and then altering the lighting.
 
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  • #32
Hypnosis should not be thought of as a tool for tricking or deceiving people exclusively. It is used often in therapy and to lower stress levels.
 
  • #33
When someone is being hypnotized, later, when he doesn't remember the stuff he was doing, was a part of him sleeping?(similar to multiple personality disorder)
 
  • #34
My buddy and I were talking about hypnosis and he told me that 1 hour of hypnosis is equal to hours of good rest.
 

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