teenager afraid of the dark? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

Markus89 · 04-21-2005, 08:32 AM

hey im 17.. and as embaressing as it is to say it, i think im afraid of the dark. i have serious problems sleeping, ie long bouts of insomnia.

But yeah, i think im subconciously afraid of the dark or something. At night when i try to sleep i get really paranoid, sometimes i cant even fall asleep until the sun starts to rise, then i feel safe and relaxed.
Theres been one or two occasions where ive actually had to sleep on my moms bedroom floor i was so terrified and paranoid.

Can anyone please help me? you have no idea how much this affects my self-esteem

not to mention my sleeping... i cant remember the last time i had a good nights sleep without sleeping pills

thanks

whackedback · 04-21-2005, 10:44 AM

You could consider getting one or more of those blue luminescent night-lights and put them in your room. They're bright enough to see by, but not bright enough to keep you up.

Another possible alternative would be to put your lamp on a timer. Have it cut off so many minutes after you've gone to bed.

whackedback

hry33 · 04-22-2005, 12:50 PM

also it may help to develop your other senses and not rely so much on your sight

Mommy2oo6 · 04-22-2005, 12:52 PM

Markus89~ Would a nightlight help? I'm 23 and still need one. lol I always say I'm not scared of the dark, I'm scared of what could be in it.

Are you taking any meds? I know when I started taking Wlebutrin for depression, it made me HORRIBLY paranoid. Now I'm on Zoloft and things are much better.

Who cares if you need a night light? If it helps you sleep, you go boy!

grace19 · 04-22-2005, 04:30 PM

Hey Markus,
I know I'm afraid of the dark and sleeping in my place alone too. It's a weird thing since I'm in my mid 20's. I understand that it can be embarrassing. One of my previous posts I mention that I can't fall asleep unless I'm on the couch with the TV on.