What you described could potentially be a form of hallucination, specifically a hypnagogic hallucination. Hypnagogic hallucinations are vivid and often sensory experiences that can occur as you are falling asleep or waking up. They can involve seeing, hearing, feeling, or even smelling things that are not actually there.
These hallucinations are relatively common and can be triggered by a combination of factors such as sleep deprivation, irregular sleep patterns, stress, anxiety, or changes in sleep-wake cycles. During the half-awake, half-asleep state, the brain can sometimes produce these sensory experiences, and they can feel incredibly real, as you described.
It's essential to note that occasional hypnagogic hallucinations, especially during the transitional states of sleep, are generally considered normal and not a cause for concern. However, if these experiences become frequent, disruptive, or distressing, it's essential to seek professional medical advice.
Additionally, if you have a history of other mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or sleep disorders, it becomes even more critical to discuss these experiences with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions and receive appropriate guidance.
As always, it's best to consult with a medical or mental health professional to evaluate your specific situation accurately and provide appropriate recommendations. They can help determine whether these experiences are related to any medical conditions or sleep disturbances and offer suitable advice or treatment if necessary.