Help, I’m still afraid of the dark: Embracing the night for adults

Trauma, the fear of losing control, the fear of nightmares... being scared of the dark can have many causes, and understanding this can help to deal with the problem. Photo: dpa/Westend61/Martin Moxter

Many children find it impossible to sleep without a light on, but the darkness also raises all sorts of issues for many adults, too. What’s behind this prolonged fear, and – beyond a night light – is there anything that can help?

First of all: Accept your fear. It’s completely normal. After all, it is unsettling to not be able to see your surroundings properly, or at all.