How to put a stop to being scared of the dark 

We often wrongly associated the fear of the dark with young children, however, psychologists suggest that many people continue to live with this fear on a daily basis throughout their adult life. It is likely that if you were afraid of the dark as a child, this worry will still be with you and continue to cause bad sleeping problems if the root of the problem is not addressed.

 

What causes bad dreams?

Nightmares and sleep trauma can be psychological side effects of our inner fears and phobias. The fear of the dark can be heightened when it comes to bedtime as our surroundings are typically darker and quieter, often leaving more space for our imagination to go wild.

Nyctophobia is the scientific term to describe the extreme phobia of dark spaces which can consequently affect everyday life, cause nightmares and disturbed sleep. It is deemed a normal worry to have at a young age as it helps us to develop an idea of what is safe or dangerous. However, as we age into adults it is beneficial to try to overcome this phobia to improve the quality of sleep.

The fear can be brought on or intensified due to specific events and reasons such as trauma, genetics or even the feeling of dependency on a parents or guardian from a young age. It can be helpful for your mental health to confront the root of the issue by identifying where and when the fear started, once this is achieved there are various types of treatments to help you fall asleep happier and to fight the fear. 

 

Inner peace and a better nights sleep

There are various forms of therapy which you can try alone or with the help of an expert. The three most recommended treatments, which can battle sleep disorders and phobias, include:

• Cognitive therapy - this treatment works best when trying to identify and resolve a much wider reasoning for the phobia. It involves conversations which openly talk about anxieties and emotions with the aim of replacing them with positive feelings.


• Exposure therapy - the purpose of exposure therapy allows the individual to experience the fear in a safe way without the intention of causing danger. By doing this the client is able to overcome the fear.


• Relaxation and meditation - various exercises allow our brains to slow down and feel at ease, these can include meditation, breathing exercises or simply reading a book with a calming night light close by. Incorporating these activities within your nighttime routine will allow you to fall asleep naturally and avoid difficulty sleeping.

 

night lamp

Is your mattress causing you stress?

Maintaining mental peace can also be achieved with physical changes. Creating a peaceful home environment and switching out old sleeping habits is a good place to start for stress free sleep! 

Memory foam or spring mattress?

Believe it or not, your mattress holds great responsibility for the quality of your sleep and reduces the risk of disturbed sleep. Depending on your usual sleeping position, different types of mattresses can be more supportive and comfortable than others. 

• Lea Mattress Premium Mattress -  providing a medium firmness due to its mixed composition of memory foam and pocket spring technology. This mattress is ideal for those who often sleep on their front or back as it offers extra support with joint pain. 


• Lea Mattress Ergonomic Plus Mattress - side sleepers are best suited to memory foam mattresses as the layers of foam cradle the spine and hip area for maximum comfort. 

 

Peaceful home interiors

Another way to ensure your mind feels at ease at night time is by treating your bedroom as a tranquil sanctuary. Design features such as wall colours and lighting can influence your dreams so it is important that you feel safe and relaxed in your room. This can easily be achieved by using neutral paints and natural lighting. 

What makes you feel at peace at night?