bedtime fear

In the season of all things spooky, the darkness of the night can often stir up fears and anxiety in both adults and children. It's important to acknowledge that fear and anxiety at bedtime are not uncommon. Studies have shown that almost 75% of children have nighttime fears and anxiety, and more than 40 million adults in the US suffer from anxiety disorders, which often affect sleep. In this post, we'll explore the distinction between specific bedtime fears and general anxiety, talk about how to identify triggers and discover practical strategies to combat bedtime fear and anxiety for both you and your child. Fear vs. Anxiety Before we get to fixing nighttime frights, it's important to distinguish between two similar, but distinct problems: specific bedtime fears and general nighttime anxiety. Nighttime fears often take the form of well-defined, tangible phobias. Think of the classic boogeyman or the fear of the dark, which children commonly experience. These fears have clear, identifiable triggers, and whether rational or not, the person can typically tell you exactly what they are afraid of at night. In contrast, general nighttime anxiety is a broader, less defined sense of unease or nervousness about bedtime and sleep. It may not [...]