How to Overcome Your Fear of

Sleep
While I understand there is not a quick fix for curing your insomnia, especially if it’s
related to deep-seated fears, I’m gonna give you some ideas.

1. The first and most important thing is this: YOU MUST identify the source of your fear
in order to know how to treat it. This is your first step.

2. While not a specific treatment for the fear of sleep, there are some basic things you can
do to help insomnia:

 Go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day. This will line up
with your natural circadian rhythm and your built-in schedule. Likewise, try and get
your children on a decently consistent schedule.
 Do not crawl into bed and turn the tv on and zone out. Your bed should only be
associated with sleep and certain other extracurricular activities.
 The American Sleep Association has a tip that I really like—if you can’t fall asleep
within 10 minutes, get out of bed and sit in a chair or read a book somewhere else until
you’re sleepy.
 Maybe this is a no-brainer, but do not drink anything caffeinated within 4-6 hours of
going to bed. Also evaluate if you need to drink caffeine it all, it can strongly affect
your ability to fall asleep.
 Do something you find relaxing, to help you enter a calm state of mind before
crawling into your warm and comfy bed.
 DO NOT take naps! Though it may feel like it helps in the short-term, it will make it
more difficult for you to get your full amount of sleep at bedtime.

3. If there is a physiological reason you are unable to sleep and it’s causing you anxiety,
seek professional medical treatment. Sleep Apnea, Restless Leg Syndrome, etc. all have
available treatment protocols to get you the rest you need. If you are concerned about the
possibility of having one of these diagnoses, see your doctor immediately. You may do a
sleep study that would help pinpoint your exact issue which can aid in treatment.

4. While the fear of death or the unknown can be a legitimate fear, you also have to
recognize that your body needs sleep to truly live. If you’ve lost a family member or
loved one while they slept, it is important to acknowledge and recognize that this may be
the root of your sleep anxiety. Talking to someone, whether it be a friend or a
professional, can greatly aid in processing this.

5. If you believe (or are even suspicious) there is a psychological reason you are unable
to sleep (like the ones I mentioned above) you can opt for professional help with a
licensed therapist, who can provide personalized care, such as cognitive behavioral
therapy. There are local therapists in your area, or you can go the online counseling route.

6. Read this long and informative article before bed as a sleep-aid. Who knows, it might
work!