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Somniphobia: Fear of sleeping because of nightmares
What is Somniphobia?
Somniphobia is a sleep problem usually indicated by irrational and strong distress of sleep. Concentration may be difficult, as individuals tend to think about sleep all day.
The fear of a mishap, while they are asleep, may be extreme, further disturbing the natural rejuvenation time in an individual. It may signal towards a fear of going to sleep and not waking up.
In most cases, this medical condition is misinterpreted and, hence, mistreated. It can result in major health concerns in a few individuals.
Why am I scared at night and can’t sleep
Do you often say this to yourself – I’m scared to go to sleep? There can be myriad reasons for disturbed sleep. Few patients are unable to sleep with the feeling of fear, anxiety, depression, and terrors.
Anxiety may result from different factors that include trauma, stress, genetic factors, and other medical health conditions of an individual. Baseless worrying with night terrors and nightmares may indicate sleep anxiety.
Reduced screen time, avoiding any types of coffee before sleep, few lifestyle factors and improper sleep patterns may signal a disturbed sleep schedule.
Managing stress, going to bed on time, creating a sleep-friendly environment, relaxing with music, and avoiding heavy meals can surely help if you are scared can’t sleep.
Read: Zopisign 10mg helps you get a good night’s sleep
Symptoms of somniphobia
Patients of Somniphobia may often undergo panic attacks, fear or distress, and an urge to avoid sleeping. Sleep problems, trauma, and mental health are strong indicators of Somniphobia.
Mood swings, irritation, concentration problems, depression, stress, and isolation may be associated with it. Physical symptoms may also include tightness in the chest, chills, sweating, panic attacks, heart rate fluctuations, nausea, appetite problems, Hyperventilation, etc.
Does Somniphobia cause Insomnia?
Somniphobia may indicate Insomnia, which is usually indicated by a kind of sleep deprivation problem, leading to the disorders like anxiety or resulting into even worse symptoms.
Difference between insomnia and hypersomnia
Both Insomnia and hypersomnia are sleep disorders associated with a disturbed sleep pattern. Insomnia is the failure in an attempt leading to a lack of sleep.
Hyperinsomnia indicates excessive daytime sleepiness in any individual. Simply put, Insomnia means absence of sleep and hyperinsomnia means excessive sleep.
How can I cure insomnia?
Insomnia is associated with your sleep pattern and has much to do with your lifestyle, sleep habits, and sleep timings. You can still help prevent Insomnia by:
- Maintaining sleep timings
- Avoiding coffee around bedtime
- Meditating and making lifestyle changes that matter
- Enhancing physical activities
- Making a sleep-friendly environment (soft music, dark room, reduced screen time).
Using sleep medications or pills that control your daytime sleepiness can also push you to maximize your productivity in a day.
Keeping a check on the significant factors leading to Insomnia, such as stress, sleep-deprived mind, and mental health, can help.
Treatment for Somniphobia
Also, all now know that Somniphobia is majorly associated with sleep and is indicated by a fear of sleeping; improving mental health can help. A smart combination of therapy and medication can help with the treatment of Somniphobia.
How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help treat Somniphobia?
Somniphobia can be treated with a therapeutic treatment called Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It helps manage your thoughts, behaviors, and feelings.
Over the years, CBT has also been a key player in treating anxiety disorders. It can help target fear, anxiety, and panic.
Medicines useful for the treatment of somniphobia
There has not been a single specifically designed suitable for treating somniphobia, as suggested by Sleep Foundation, that also talks about somniphobia .
Medicines targeting fear and anxiety related to your sleep must be taken only after doctor consultation.
Benzodiazepines: Useful for treating panic attacks and anxiety. They are to be used under restriction as they may form habit. Usually suitable as a short-term medication.
Cortisol and Oxytocin: It is a good oral steroid. Intake of cortisol before any exposure therapy can help improve the outcome.
D-cycloserine: Known as a potent NMDA receptor agonist, it can target the fear response well. Whether it can treat all kinds of phobias is subject to time and more research.
Beta Blockers: Useful for controlling BP, intake of beta-blockers may help control anxiety disorders. It must be taken a few hours before going to bed.
Relaxation techniques, proper bedtime schedules, lighter therapies, and putting sleep restrictions can help. Managing stress with meditation is also a key player.
The idea is to do what is necessary to calm your body as well as the mind by targeting stress hormones and working on your breathing issues.
FAQ:
Can lack of sleep cause phobias?
Phobia or fear of sleep phobia is a mental health problem which is often a result of sleep deprivation. When there is less than sufficient sleep time or an inability to sleep, phobias are natural.
Is somniphobia dangerous?
Somniphobia may be dangerous in patients who often have the tendency to avoid sleep for as long as they can. This lack of sleep can lead to different health concerns that may include BP problems and diabetes. It may affect your lifestyle and mental health, leading to trauma, where patients often complain about being diagnosed with PTSD.
How to treat insomnia caused by anxiety?
Insomnia may be treated successfully with the help of lifestyle changes and suitable sleep medications like Blue Zopiclone, which is a useful nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used for treating Insomnia.
Can somniphobia kill you?
No. It is rare to die when you have somniphobia. However, it can indeed lead to health risks and mental health concerns.
What helps with insomnia in the middle-of the night?
You can relax, get out of bed, and try breathing techniques and meditation to relax your mind and body. Create a friendly, peaceful, and calm environment that promotes sleep.
