Understanding Somniphobia - The Fear of Sleep

Sleep! One of the most important things in the world, the absence of which can lead to serious ailments and problems. Can you imagine dreading going to sleep every night and thinking of your bed not as a place for relaxation and comfort, but as a source of fear? Sounds dreadful, right? But do you know some rare people actually do suffer from this phobia! There are a lot of fears that exist and “Somniphobia” is of course one of the strangest ones.

What is Somniphobia?

Somniphobia, or sleep anxiety, is when extreme worry and fear about sleep keeps you up at night. It is the fear of sleeping or falling asleep. It is also called ‘Hypnophobia’, the fear of being hypnotized, a condition where the person is literally made to go in a sleep-like state. That time you spend in dreamland isn’t just a little time off, it is an essential bodily process. It helps heal your body and prepare it for the next day. But some people dread going to this dreamland and often end up spending nights staring at the ceilings. 

Hear it from someone who suffers from Somniphobia and you’ll know its depth!

What Causes This Phobia?

Somniphobia is one of the rarest and weirdest phobias that exist. This fear is often born out of a fear of something else like fear of sleepwalking, fear of death, etc. Just like other phobias, its causes range from psychological to environmental. 

Some of the possible causes of somniphobia are listed below:

• Sleep-Related Disorders 

People with sleep apnea, sleep paralysis, and other sleeping disorders tend to have a fear of falling asleep due to their unpleasant experiences. Sleepwalking and sleeptalking are other typical causes of the fear of sleep as people fear revealing important things or being out of control about what they are saying or doing.

• Fear of Death

“I fear sleep, as it is a form of death”, this is a famous quote by Edith Piaf clearly summoning up this point. Death is often known as the ‘big sleep’. Somniphobes feel very vulnerable whilst sleeping and believe that death and sleeping are unsettlingly similar conditions that leave them completely out of control. Some patients also fear never waking up if they fall asleep.

• Past Traumatic Events 

A direct/indirect negative or traumatic incidents can also trigger this phobia. Serious trauma-inducing experiences like violence or death in the family or any event that has been associated with closing the eyes and/or falling asleep can result in the development of somniphobia. In some cases, accidents or injuries that involve losing consciousness can trigger this phobia. 

What Are the Symptoms?

Somniphobia has multiple mental as well as physical symptoms. According to studies, symptoms of sleep anxiety are more evident in children, when they start to cry and refuse to be left alone in the bedroom, and not wanting to sleep. They may also verbalize fears of having another nightmare as the reason for not wanting to go to bed. 

In the initial stage of the disease, the affected person can function quite normally during the day. The first feeling of anxiety develops with increasing darkness and the onset of sleep. Some of the most common pre-sleep symptoms are:

• Disturbed and irritable sleep

• Dizziness during the day and high alertness at night

• Feeling of nausea

• Tightness in the chest

• Sweating, chills, and hyperventilation

• Anxiety and panic attacks

For people who have experienced such things or you know someone who has been going through it, it is really important to understand what and how this fear is? This is necessary in order to take the necessary steps and act accordingly.

How to Manage Somniphobia? 

• Get to Know Why 

Try thinking back to where the problems started and where your relationship with shut-eye went wrong. This can help the doctor establish the best course of treatment and finally put those nighttime woes to bed.

• Take help 

Sleep is an important part of life, and you need to do something about this phobia. It is necessary to contact health professionals. They will be able to refer you to a specialist who is experienced in somni-disorders and hence, treating you well.

• Maintain Sleep Hygiene 

Do not consume caffeine right before night time, instead, try having healthy drinks like herbal teas. Set yourself a time to sleep and be ready to do so then. Avoid using phones or any type of screens. Try practicing some meditative exercises and let your mind relax.

Conclusion

The fear of sleep is related to fear of the unknown. Often the sufferer is terrified of what might happen if they fall asleep and they fear being ‘out of control’.  Many people are afraid of having nightmares or fear being unable to ‘hear’ their loved ones call out to them. People suffering from somniphobia often feel distressed and anxious as the night time arrives. It is a long-lasting and debilitating disease that is increasing rapidly in modern society.

This is one of the many bizarre phobias that exist! Have a look at this amazing article listing down more such strange phobias.

Written By - Riya Garg

Edited By - Neha Kundu