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Re: fear of sleep

Posted by Roger on May 26, 2001 at 09:33:23:

In Reply to: Re: fear of sleep posted by Harriet on May 24, 2001 at 18:59:29:

Harriet-

I really think this is such a peculiar phobia that nothing much other than time...or expensive therapy...can cure it.

For instance, if you have a fear of flying, you can confront it. You can go up in a plane and with help from others you can face the fear, know that it is not rational, and get over it. Same thing with public speaking or virtually any other phobia.

But going to sleep will not in my opinion cure the fear of sleep. Doesn't work that way. When it is esp bad, I take a 2mg ativan. Then I am not anxious about it, and also sleep well. Gradually I think I am getting over the fear. I don't fear not sleeping as much as I fear sleep itself.

Actually that is not correct. I don't think I fear sleep, I think I fear "going" to sleep. The gradual loss of consciousness as we drift off. That is the part I hate, but don't know why. Probably relates to loss of control as I said earlier.

Another med that really has helped a lot is atenolol. It is prescribed on an off-label basis for anxiety, altho it's primary purpose is a beta blocker to reduce or regulate heart rate and lower blood pressure. A 25mg pill (low dose) helps me tremendously.

Tranquilizers are great for the short term, and for transitioning a person from fearing sleep to not fearing it. Not good for long term.

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