What Stage of Consciousness Does Daydreaming Happen?

Daydreaming in and of itself is a state of altered conscious. Whether out of boredom or a current life predicament, daydreaming can take on many shapes and forms in the conscious realm. Some daydreaming is pleasant and is a means for the mind to relax. With other stages of consciousness, however, daydreaming can be a powerful tool for imagination and progressive thought.

Rapturous Consciousness

• Rapturous consciousness is an intense feeling of any emotion. Typically, this type of daydreaming state is induced by either elevated sexual stimulation or outright religious zeal. Daydreaming in this sense is almost hallucinogenic or euphoric in nature. The physiological sensations of such intense emotions can alter a person's actions and sensations to the point where he feels entranced and lucid.

Fragmented Consciousness

• Fragmented consciousness refers more to a psychosis state of mind. While daydreaming, the person is aware of her surroundings; however, a severe lack of continuity among parts of the personality, as a whole, may be symptoms of neurosis, multiple personality or a dissociation with personal identity. Stress is one of the primary factors for inducing such a state of mind, which could come about as a life-altering event or long, drawn out emotional strains.

Trance Consciousness

• Daydreaming under hypnosis is one of the most widely known types of trance consciousness. Reflection occurs while in such a a trance, and daydreaming becomes part of an introspective venture into one's own subconscious. A single stimuli, such as the voice of the therapist or a noise, is the focal point of the trance and can be used to bring the subject in, out or deeper into the daydreaming itself. Primitive trance-inducing rituals mimic the effects of a hypnotist.

Relaxed Consciousness

• A relaxed state of consciousness is just that: you're relaxed. Theorists argue that when some of the most creative minds tend to wander in this state of mind, daydreaming can truly be an extraordinary adventure. It is important that there are no external stimuli, just you and a float going down a river, totally relaxed. When motor activity shuts down, the mind is still moving and processing thoughts and concerns, which translate into conscious dreams.