Ever drifted off to sleep and seen strange shapes, lights, or flashes of imagery? That’s hypnagogia—your natural gateway to lucid dreaming.

In this episode, Dr. Clare Johnson explores:

• What the hypnagogic state is (and why it's so powerful)


• Dr. Clare shares her 6 stages of hypnagogia—how to spot them and how they feel


• How to use this pre-sleep state to consciously enter a lucid dream


• Tips for staying aware without waking yourself up

You'll also hear firsthand descriptions of real hypnagogic experiences and get practical advice for recognizing these strange and amazing pre-dream visuals as they unfold.

Whether you’re new to lucid dreaming or just want to get better at it, learning to watch hypnagogia could change how you fall asleep - forever.

Upcoming Lucid Dreaming Ocean Retreat with Dr. Clare Johnson: Portugal, May 19-23, 2026.

Sign up to Dr. Clare's newsletter to be first to know all her workshop, retreat and conference dates, receive lucid dream tips and dreamy gifts: https://deepluciddreaming.com/sign-up/

Listen to the Sleep & Deep Lucid Dreaming podcast on https://www.deepluciddreaming.com/podcast/

The Art of Lucid Dreaming

The Complete Book of Lucid Dreaming

Elixir of Sleep

Video classes and guided lucid dream meditations with Dr. Clare: https://deep-lucid-dreaming-video-courses.teachable.com/