Somniphobiais a specificphobiaor irrational fear of sleep.
This phobia is often described as a cross between anxiety and insomnia.
People with somniphobia may avoid sleep even though the lack of sleep makes their symptoms worse.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
In some cases, somniphobia stems from fears that something terrible will happen while asleep.
Some people with somniphobia live in fear of having nightmares.
This article takes a closer look at the symptoms, causes, and effects of somniphobia.
It also covers treatment options and ways to cope with a fear of sleep.
What Is Somniphobia?
People with somniphobia experience significant distress and anxiety around falling asleep.
Additional concerns related to fear of sleep may include:
How Common Is Somniphobia?
Experts do not know for sure how many people experience somniphobia.
Many adults who have a specific phobia are aware that their fear is irrational.
Developinginsomnia(a sleep disorder making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep) may exacerbate the fear.
What Causes Somniphobia?
What causes a specific phobia isnt always clear.
Getting enough quality sleep is critical for overall health and well-being.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia(CBT-I) is an evidence-based therapy for addressing sleep quality.
If nightmares are one of the primary contributors to fear of sleep, these specific treatments may be recommended.
ERRT sessions also involve practicing muscle relaxation techniques that can be applied before bedtime.
ERRT has been shown to be effective at relieving distress associated with sleep and chronic nightmares.
IRT may be paired with relaxation activities and sleep hygiene practices.
Is Somniphobia Curable?
There is no single cure for somniphobia.
Keep in mind that what works for someone else may not work for you.
Dont hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you are having trouble managing somniphobia on your own.
Summary
Somniphobia is the fear of sleep.
Experiencing an ongoing, unrealistic fear of sleep can cause significant distress and negatively impact daily life.
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