Hi there,

From what I'm reading here, it looks as if you're literally trying to "see" hypnagogia with your eyes. In my experience however, hypnagogia (and sleep/dream) begin when you withdraw your attention from your body, in other words, turn it away from the physical sensations you're having.

So if you'd ask me, I'd say you're focussing too much on your physical eyes, and on 'seeing'. Rather, simply try to forget your body, your eyes, the feeling of lying in your bed. At that point, hypnagogia usually begin to appear by themselves (if you don't fall asleep first). You might enter sleep paralysis first, but that's ok too. Don't worry about it. Think of other things. Visualise a dream scene, or count, or use meditation to "blank your mind". Whatever helps you not to focus on your body.

Additionaly, remember that hypnagogia, while they are most commonly visual, do not have to be images only. You can experience hypnagogic sounds, feelings, smells, even tastes. So keep yourself open for other types of hypnagogia as well.

Hope that helps,

-Redrivertears-