Why do hallucinations occur as soon as I close my eyes?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, experiencing hallucinations upon closing the eyes may be caused by excessive fatigue, sleep environment stimulation, neurasthenia, anxiety disorder, Parkinson's disease, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain regular sleep habits and avoid staying up late; engage in moderate exercise to relieve stress, such as yoga or jogging.

Under normal circumstances, experiencing hallucinations immediately after closing the eyes may be caused by excessive fatigue, sleep environment stimulation, neurasthenia, anxiety disorder, Parkinson's disease, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Fatigue

Long-term熬夜 or intensive eye use can lead to prolonged neural excitation in the brain followed by functional disturbances. The visual cortex remains abnormally active even when the eyes are closed, triggering hallucinations. Maintain a regular sleep schedule with 7–8 hours of sleep per night, take breaks to look into the distance every hour during eye use, and apply a warm towel compress over the eyes for 10 minutes before bedtime.

2. Sleep Environment Stimulation

Excessively bright lighting or noisy surroundings continuously stimulate the senses, preventing the brain from fully relaxing after closing the eyes, leading to misinterpretation of external signals as hallucinations. Draw blackout curtains tightly, use earplugs to block noise, and create a dark, quiet sleeping environment.

3. Neurasthenia

Chronic mental stress leads to heightened nerve excitability and fatigue, disrupting the sleep cycle. Hallucinations may occur during the transition between conscious and subconscious states when the eyes are closed. Under medical guidance, medications such as oryzanol tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, or Anshen Bunao Liquid may be used. Avoid engaging in complex thinking before bedtime.

4. Anxiety Disorder

Recurrent anxiety stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing dysfunction in the brain’s limbic system. Worries about uncertainty transform into hallucinations when the eyes are closed. Under medical supervision, medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets, escitalopram oxalate tablets, or lorazepam tablets may be prescribed, along with deep breathing relaxation exercises.

5. Parkinson’s Disease

Degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain impairs cognitive function and causes abnormalities during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. Visual hallucinations may appear when the eyes are closed. Under medical guidance, medications such as levodopa-benserazide tablets, pramipexole extended-release tablets, or amantadine hydrochloride tablets may be used. In severe cases, deep brain stimulation surgery may be required.

In daily life, maintain a regular作息 and avoid staying up late; engage in moderate physical activity to relieve stress, such as yoga or jogging; reduce screen time before bed; maintain emotional stability and avoid prolonged mental strain; and undergo regular health check-ups to detect any abnormalities early.