Somniphobia is a condition where the victim is afraid of going to sleep. It is, however, a very uncommon sleep disorder that affects more children than it does adults.
A person with Somniphobia has a hard time going to sleep more so in the night. The patient suffering from this disorder often has a certain traumatic phenomenon attached to sleep and the dark, which makes it hard for them to go to sleep. The phobia can be so bad that they stay up sited all night. For some, attempts to sleep gets them up gasping for breath and screaming for help.
How to overcome Somniphobia
Differentiate Somniphobia from insomnia
Both people with insomnia and Somniphobia have a hard time going to sleep. However, for those with insomnia, they are not exactly afraid to sleep, rather, have a hard time putting their brain and body at rest. Evaluate the situation of the patient to find out whether they are actually fearful of falling asleep at night.
Determine the underlying problem
Since Somniphobia is all linked to a certain fear that triggers a bad experience at night, start by identifying what the trigger is. For patients suffering from this sleep disorder, the triggers are different. Most children with this disorder have a fear of bad scary dreams. For some, it can be the fear of death. Unless you are able to determine what the underlying problem for the specific individual is, it can be challenging to overcome it. Remember that Somniphobia is more of a psychological disorder associated with sleeping at night.
Leave the lights on
Sometimes Somniphobia has everything to do with going to sleep when it is dark. The imaginations of the brain on what could happen in the dark can cause a lot of fear in the individual. For a start, you can get the person to sleep with the lights on. Technically, lights work against sleep. Therefore, you can choose an artificial light that is not too bright but does not leave the room totally dark. If the fear of sleep has to do with darkness. Then this can help fight the Somniphobia.
Keep the bedroom conducive for sleep
The condition of your bedroom can change your perception of sleep a great deal. Ideally, when a room is too cluttered, the brain can feel overwhelmed and be discouraged from sleeping, however, if you can keep your bedroom hygienic, organized and sleep-friendly, then you might have a shot at overcoming Somniphobia. Be particular about getting the best mattress for hip pain or any other preference you might have. The more comfortable the bed area and the bedroom can be, the better the chances of falling asleep.
Have some company
The best way to defeat fear is by asking for help. If you are having a hard time going to bed alone, consider asking a friend or family member to share the bed with you. Sometimes having someone in bed with you can be consolation enough to help you fight Somniphobia.
Go to bed when you are tired
Trying to sleep because it is nighttime may not work very well for someone who has Somniphobia. There is a lot of time for your brain to wander off and create fearful imaginations before you can fall asleep. In that case, make sure that every time you are going to be, you are tired. Ideally, when your body is exhausted, the brain solicits for sleep. This makes you think less about your fears and concentrate more or resting your body for rejuvenation. This trick works great for stress as well as Somniphobia.
Besides, you can indulge in fun activities that create many positive vibes for your brain. This shifts the focus from the phobias you have about sleep, to the fun you are having.
