Definition

Relating to the state of being partially aware just before fully waking up from sleep.

Example

After a long night of sleep, I experienced a hypnopompic state where I was aware of my surroundings but still felt drowsy.

Conversation

Have you ever experienced that strange feeling when you wake up?

Yeah, I think I know what you mean!

It's like a hypnopompic phase where you're not fully awake yet.

Exactly! It's kind of surreal and dreamy, right?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hypnopompic is formed from "hypnos" (meaning sleep) and "pompē" (meaning procession). The term describes the state of consciousness when one is waking up from sleep, akin to a procession from the realm of dreams to wakefulness.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sleep' ('hypnos') and a 'procession' ('pompē') as you wake up — that's what hypnopompic refers to, the transition from sleep to wakefulness.

Visually Confused Words