OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding Closed Eye Hallucinations: A Personal Experience

I’m a 33-year-old woman weighing 125 lbs, and I’ve been experiencing something unusual since my teenage years. These experiences, which I’ve learned are referred to as "closed eye hallucinations," involve both visuals and sounds that usually occur independently. I first realized I had these sensations while practicing meditation. They primarily arise when I am in a peaceful state, tuning everything else out. In such moments of quiet, my mind often fills with fleeting images that can either emerge gradually or flash before me, accompanied by distinct phrases that echo internally. Each thought is unique, often presented in different voices and rarely repeats, resembling snippets rather than full conversations. The content of these fleeting images and sounds varies widely and is often quite brief. As a side note, I find these experiences can be quite distracting. I have been diagnosed with symptoms similar to ADHD, although I have never disclosed this aspect of my experiences to anyone. Importantly, I do not induce these hallucinations—they materialize spontaneously and are disconnected from my actions. While I can engage in visual imagination normally, the phenomena I experience differ significantly. It’s akin to having a song lodged in your mind—you hear it persistently, often against your will, but it’s not the same tune repeating itself. On occasion, when I’m feeling particularly emotional, I may experience flashes of disturbing imagery, sometimes accompanied by a heavy sensation in my body. I perceive this as a dual process involving memory formation in my brain and elements of my subconscious. I have speculated about their potential paranormal nature and have explored resources like The Gateway Tapes to understand them better. All these experiences remain strictly internal; I've never encountered genuine visual hallucinations other than mistaking a pile of clothing for my cat. I’ve had only two instances of auditory hallucinations, which sounded like screams just before drifting off to sleep. A few additional notes: - These experiences seem to be intensifying over time, but I’m uncertain whether this is negative. - I initially thought everyone could experience something similar if they practiced meditation, believing it to be a skill one could develop. - As a professional illustrator, I find that these visions often enhance my creativity, helping me visualize concepts for my artwork. I frequently encounter what’s known as the "Tetris effect." For instance, after playing video games, I often hear the game menu sounds replaying in my mind, and if I’ve visited the beach, the sounds of the waves linger as I try to sleep. This phenomenon of ongoing auditory replay is a constant in my life. Currently, I have two different video game sounds mingling with a tune in my head. I can easily have multiple sounds or melodies occupying my mind simultaneously. I suspect that caffeine exacerbates this, as there have been times when it became overwhelming. Additionally, I have experienced dreams containing entire songs with lyrics that I later discovered do not exist. These compositions feel well-crafted, sometimes reminiscent of bands I recognize, yet they remain elusive in reality. It’s notable that I possess minimal musical training. Furthermore, my brother, who is high-functioning bipolar, has also experienced night terrors, which adds another layer to our family’s intricate relationship with these phenomena.

Answers (1)

2/15/2026, 2:50:45 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing a complex blend of closed-eye hallucinations, auditory replay phenomena, and vivid imagery, all of which can be intriguing yet distracting. These experiences, often tied to states of relaxation or emotional response, could be linked to various factors, including meditation practices, ADHD symptoms, and possibly even overstimulation from daily activities (like gaming or caffeine consumption).

Understanding Your Experience

• Closed-Eye Hallucinations: These are visual or auditory experiences that occur when your eyes are closed, often during states of relaxation or meditation. They can be spontaneous and are not necessarily indicative of a mental health issue, especially if you’re functioning well in daily life.
• Tetris Effect: This is a common phenomenon where individuals recall recent stimuli - in your case, sounds or visuals from games or environments. It's linked to how our brain processes and retains information.
• Emotional Influence: You noted that emotional states can intensify these occurrences, which is normal since our emotions can amplify our sensory perceptions.

Next Steps: Actionable Guidance

1. Mindfulness Practices: Continue practicing meditation but consider introducing structured techniques focused on grounding and breathwork to help manage your experiences. Mindfulness can help you navigate feelings during these moments, bringing calm when distractions arise.

2. Caffeine Reduction: Given your suspicion that caffeine exacerbates these experiences, try reducing your intake gradually. Keep a log of how reducing caffeine impacts your hallucinations and overall focus.

3. Journaling: Document your experiences in detail (content, feelings, circumstances). Over time, patterns may emerge that can provide insight, helping you understand triggers or changes in intensity.

4. Creative Outlets: Leverage your artistic skills. Use these visions as inspirations for your illustrations. Channeling this creativity can serve as a productive way to engage with your experiences rather than feel overwhelmed by them.

5. Healthy Sleep Practices: Establish routines that promote restful sleep, as both sleep deprivation and disrupted sleep can heighten sensory experiences. Consider practices such as a bedtime routine, minimizing screens before bed, and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.

6. Seek Community or Support: Explore online forums or support groups where individuals share similar experiences. Hearing from others can help you feel less isolated and provide perspectives on managing these phenomena.

If these experiences feel increasingly disconcerting or disruptive, you might consider discussing them with a healthcare professional who is knowledgeable in mental health or neurological conditions. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific experiences and help rule out any underlying concerns. Remember, your experiences don't define you and can often be understood and managed effectively.