My child is already experiencing hypnagogic hallucinations. How should I tell her to cope?
ANSWER. Of course, start her on the Wakeup Diet as soon as possible. Until then, tell her this: People with narcolepsy often seem to have more control over their dreams than normal people do. Likewise, if you know the secret, hallucinations are under your control, too. The secret is that your own brain created these dreams and hallucinations. As long as they can torment you, your mind is active. While your mind is active, you can use it to alter your visions. Start by denying the tormenting vision. You may not be able to speak a word, but you can think. Order the misbehaving vision to stop. Tell him that you can see his underwear. In fact, you really can see that underwear! Just take a look. Visions wear the most ridiculous things. Do you see the polka dots, wild stripes and asparagus sprigs? Pink and purple and green! Tell the vision that he looks completely silly. Tell him that he should be ashamed. Naughty. Now tell the vision that he’s naughty. He must vanish, or you’ll punish him.
