Fear of Dark

What is fear?

Fear is emotion caused by possible reasons that can lead to some danger. Basically, fear comes from our ancestors, it was needed when people lived in the wild. It also starts a chain reaction in our brain and in our body, adrenalinelevel is increased, we see better, hear better and we have faster reaction! All of that is needed so we can escape or beat possible danger.

Fear of darkness (Achluophobia) is a common phobia among children, but adults can also have this phobia developed. It is not far from the dark itself, but from some danger (monsters, animals or etc.) that could came out the dark. Although people think that it is related only to children up to 2 years old, many adults have the same problem.

This phobia is the fourth most common phobia in the US, under fear of public, speaking, fear of death and fear of spiders. In 2014 11% of the population had this phobia problem, and they were adult! Fear of the dark is even more related to children, so roughly 73% of them have this phobia.

Some interesting facts about Fear of Darkness or Achluophobia are:

• People rely on sense of sight, when there is light, and on the sense of hearing when there is no light
• Higher day temperatures and lower temperatures during the night are responsible for more sounds, because, house or building is expanding and contracts
• In most countries children sleep with their parents, and they have a lower risk to develop a fear of the dark
• The start of this problem is when children are waking their parent because of this fear. Only then this is accepted as a phobia
• Young children cannot make a difference between true and reality, and they are expecting some ‘’magical’’ solution for this problem
• They also cannot make a difference between jokes, teasing and etc.

Symptoms of Fear of darkness (Achluophobia) are very easy to notify. Person who is having fear of dark, often sleep with their light turn on, they are nervous before entering in dark room or before night, and they usually avoid going out at night or even in dark rooms. Health symptoms are: increased heart rate, increase blood pressure, sweating and shake. IfAchluophobia is severe, a person can avoid going into dark places or even go out at night. They can be extremely angry and defensive if someone is forcing them to confront with their fear or if someone is mocking them. In some cases, they can even attack possible threat because they believe they are fighting for their life. It is extremely important not to force those people on anything that is associated with dark.

Happily, there are many treatments and solution for  fear of darkness (Achluophobia). In severe cases going to the physician is necessary, but in lighter cases, people can ‘’cure’’ themselves using some basic steps. They are:

1. The first step is the most important. Before going into the bed, you should turn off any electronic devices that you could possibly hear while you are in bed. Avoid drinking coffee or some other potion with caffeine in it, and avoid watching late movies or shows (where is a lot of violence, blood or anything that is stressful). Before going into bed, just sit for 10 minutes and try to relay. Try telling the facts that there is nothing that can hurt you, and how many people are sleeping or working in dark places without fear. Also try finding something that calms you down, the gentle music of some potion.
2. Gradually start shutting down the lights. You do not need to turn off all the light in the house. You can start dimming them first, or leave one light in another room or nightlight. Try convincing yourself that sleeping in a dark room is much healthier that sleeping in the light rooms. Because you have a longer and deeper sleep, your body is relaxed and resting much better and much faster. Also, give yourself some goal, like in a few weeks I want to sleep when the lightis turned off, and start working on that goal.
3. You probably think that something is in your closet or under the bed. Try and confront with those fears, get up, and check under the bed or wherever you think there is something. If you woke up in the night do the same, because you will sleep longer after you confront with your fears.
4. Leave a bit of light turned on. Don’t think that you are the only person who is sleeping with their light turned on. Many people are sleeping in the same way. Usually it is better to leave some nightlight or some lamp in the corner of your room, it will give you a higher sense of peace and it will be easier if you must use a bathroom during the night.
5. Make your room a much happier place. Don’t put any furniture of huge stacks of clothes, because you may think that something is under them. Hang out some interesting pictures on the wall, some you think they are relaxing and makes you happy. Use bright colors, avoid red and black furniture or carpets. If you make your room much more pleasant place, you will want to spend more time in there.
6. If you really want to stop fearing the dark, try to sleep alone. Many of you want to sleep with their parents, siblings or pets. This is good in the beginning, but after some time you must start sleeping alone. Pets are very useful in this process. Allow them to sleep in your bed (at your feet) or is separate bed in your room. After some period try to put them in another room so you can sleep alone.
7. At the end talk to yourself. Accept that you have this phobia and don’t be ashamed. Tell other people about your problem, maybe some can help you. And always think about your house and your bed as a safe and happy place.

Phobia of darkness (Achluophobia)  isn’t something what is related only to kids. It is a serious problem for many people, maybe you already know some person, but probably many of them are hiding this fact. Although this was a huge problem in the past, today there are many ways to beat this fear. Try these steps, if they don’t work for you, you must visit a doctor. Almost every treatment is 100% successful.

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