Many people are afraid of the dark, but when this fear grows so much that it starts affecting your everyday life, then it is not right to ignore it. Fear of darkness, known as 'nyctophobia', is a fear that causes a person to feel extreme anxiety, panic and stress in the dark. This fear can start in childhood, but sometimes it persists till adulthood. If this fear increases so much that you cannot sleep in the dark or you start getting scared of thinking about the dark, then it can be a serious problem.
There are many symptoms of this problem, such as increased heart rate in the dark, sweating, feeling nervous or trying to avoid going into the dark. Some people face problems like insomnia, nightmares or waking up frequently due to darkness at night.
If you feel that you are struggling with this problem, first accept it. Talk to someone, be it a family member, friend or professional. Also try to face the darkness gradually. Initially sleep in dim light and then slowly learn to spend time in the dark.
If your fear is too much and you are unable to overcome it on your own, consult a mental health professional. With timely treatment, this fear can be overcome and you can live your life normally.
Being afraid of the dark can be normal, but it should be taken seriously when it starts affecting your life. It can be a sign of a mental problem, which can be identified and treated properly.