A doctor has shared the surprising reason why we see patterns when we close our eyes.
Most of us have experienced lines, dots and colourful patterns just before we go to sleep.
Sometimes, it seems there's a reason - for example, after looking at a bright light - while at other times, it seems to happen for no apparent reason at all.
For many of us, it's pretty much a normal part of every day life. In fact, we can't remember a time when this didn't happen.
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This makes a lot of sense, considering it's especially common in children.
Speaking about the phenomenon, Dr Sermed Mezher has weighed in on why it happens and has taken to Instagram to share his thoughts.
Apparently, there are three theories about why the phenomenon occurs.
Dr Mezher explained: "75 percent of people saw these lights when going to sleep as a child. Some people describe them as colours and patterns, floating stars or planets and others as distant galaxies.
"... Scientists aren't exactly sure what causes them, but there are three prevailing theories on how they might happen."
Dr Mezher explained that 'direct mechanical stimulation' - in other words, rubbing or pressing on your eyelids - can cause the patterns to appear.
This is because doing so can stimulate the cells that respond to light, which causes the patterns to appear.
Other reasons include magnetic field interference and 'biophotonic light' - which refers to particles of light (or photons) that are created inside the retina, 'similar to that of a firefly'.
"Phosphenes are the visual sensations of light that occur without light actually entering the eye," said Dr Mezher.
"These fascinating visual phenomena are typically experienced when gently pressing on closed eyelids, during moments of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, or due to sudden changes in light exposure. For many, the memory of encountering phosphenes is overwhelmingly positive and evokes a sense of nostalgia.
"Encountering phosphenes often takes us back to childhood, a time when we were naturally curious and amazed by simple yet magical experiences. The vivid bursts of colour and light patterns seen behind closed eyelids could easily captivate and delight a child’s imagination, creating a lasting impression of wonder and discovery."
Dr Mezher explained that lots of people experience the phenomenon but don't ever speak about it because they don't realise it's so common.
And people were quick to comment, with many adults explaining they still see the patterns.
One wrote: "I haven't stopped seeing it. I'm 28 y.o rn & thought it was something normal that everybody sees."
While another said: "I'm 33 and actively use these visuals as a driver for meditation in order to fall asleep every night to this day."
Do you experience this?
Topics: Health
Lucy Devine