Unlike more common sleeping disorders like insomnia, which leaves people unable to sleep, there is another that leaves people literally frightened of falling asleep.
Somniphobia is a specific condition that can have lasting effects on an individual that has it for too long because being unable to get a good night’s rest is essential for day-to-day living.
Commenting on TikTok, one user describes how she can’t even talk to her friends and family when she’s scared because it’s when everyone is asleep leaving her to suffer alone, while also being scared that if she falls asleep she will die.
According to the Sleep Foundation Bedtime anxiety or fear of falling asleep is a common symptom of nightmare disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both of which usually arise in connection with traumatic experiences.
The TikTok user said: “I have something called somniphobia, which is the extreme fear of sleep, so I really struggle at night.
“I have no one to talk to at night because everyone else, like my friends and family, are asleep.
“For me, talking to people helps in a way, so if anyone in the UK has Somniphobia or just stays up really late let me know and we can message.
“I have a major fear of death so I feel like I will die when I sleep or when I open my eyes something will be there. I also have a fear of sleep paralysis.”
Posted a few days ago, the user received comments from people who suffered the same condition, who all had their own ways to deal with the condition and offered support.