Can anyone help with Sleep Phobia?

I know you are asking for help, but I for now the best I can do is tremendous compassion. I have sleep phobia and I wake up terrified every two hours if I ever do fall asleep. It sounds for you it’s a trauma response. I had an unfortunate incident while I was asleep a man took off his clothes and for some reason thought he would put his penis in my mouth. Which woke me up, and I got up and hit him and U was absolutely I killed him. I’m sorry if that’s too graphic but that was two traumas, and the worst came later in the day, I was at my mom’s house (I was 26 so I was just ap3nding the night but it didn’t make any sense that a stranger came in the house and she didn’t hear him come Iot go crashing to the flloor. And she said “oh, well I won’t try elk anyone.” I said you can tell whoever you want, I got raped, I am not ashamed and she said, “no, I think we should keep your secret.” I thought, oh he’s a friend of yours, in the years she hust didn’t remember. And she just died and she was never sorry for anything and I realized zi never felt safe with her, and I wasn’t but she was a predator or predator adjacent. I tell people who I feel are more accomplished that they’ve just had it too easy. If I could sleep, I could do anything. I say it to people who have devoted their lives to certain endeavors, or I tell my sister that she’s a good mother but I would be much better if I could sleep. Of course I’m kidding…….sort of. Technically I can’t be a mother….cuz I’m a guy, but I would find a way. I am so sorry to you and I hope I didn’t hijack I just never have told anyone not out of shame but it’s a lot, still it happened. Thank you, I don’t how much you’ve worked on the event but it sounds to me like there’s an inextricable link, but of course you know, I will think of you, because if there’s one thing we both have it’s time on our hands. It’s the worst thing but it is transcendae, or so I hear. Thank you,
Evan

Hi! Two quick notes: First, I'm new here and still learning about insomnia, and I'm also not a doctor and can't give medical advice.

That said, I do have a lot of personal experience in this area. With any phobia, the best and most effective way to get through it is by doing something called "exposure therapy" with a licensed therapist.

Let's say you were very afraid of dogs. To do exposure therapy, you would start by just talking with a therapist about your feelings. Over time, you would move on to looking at pictures of dogs, watching videos of dogs, seeing dogs at a distance, and so on until you reach whatever your goal is.

Sleeping in the other room with the TV on, while it does make you feel better, can also make the phobia more intense. Maybe you can start by lowering the volume just a little.

Please don't be afraid of therapy. Yes, there are hard moments, I won't lie to you. But the process moves in small steps, and the therapist will teach you the tools you need to be successful. There is no better feeling than those small "wins" that lead to progress.

I hope this explanation is helpful for you. We are here to support you and you're not alone in struggling this way. I hope that with time and patience you will find rest in your own bed. Hugs to you and solidarity. -Melissa, team member

My heart goes out to you, . It can be so difficult to conquer a fear when you have experienced the reality of that fear. I wish I could turn back time so that you never knew that fear at all. Have you ever tried congnitive behavior therapy - insomnia (CBT-I)? I wonder if you might find it helpful. Here is an article that explains it better than I can: https://insomnia.sleep-disorders.net/cbt. I imagine you would need a highly experienced therapist who understands the impact of trauma. I hope you get input from others as well and that sleep eventually becomes a respite for you once again. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)