Some people are afraid of the dark. This fear can be different.
What is nyctophobia
Nyctophobia is an extreme fear of the dark in humans.
The phobia usually occurs in children, but sometimes in adults.
Fear of the dark can lead to panic attacks, stress, and sleep disturbances.
People who are afraid of the dark may avoid leaving the house after sunset, which is not always convenient.
If your fear of the dark prevents you from living comfortably, you should seek the help of a psychotherapist.
Why are people afraid of the dark
Research shows that a little fear of the dark is normal.
The fact is that our ancestors lived in the open air and the dark time of day was extremely dangerous.
It was at night that predators hunted and human ancestors needed to remain alert in order to survive.
Nyctophobia can also be caused in people who have had a traumatic experience in the dark. This may be part of PTSD.
In addition, fear of the dark can arise after watching horror films or reading books.
The phobia may occur in people with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder.
Phobias can also appear due to genetic predisposition.
We previously discussed how parental divorce can affect children.
