What causes fear of darkness (nyctophobia)?
Nov 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
In general, nyctophobia may be caused by factors such as lack of visual stimuli, negative childhood experiences, anxiety disorders, neurasthenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder. If symptoms affect daily life, it is recommended to seek timely evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, gradual dark adaptation training can be performed, starting in dimly lit environments for short periods and progressively increasing the duration.
Generally, nyctophobia (fear of darkness) may be caused by factors such as lack of visual input, negative childhood experiences, anxiety disorders, neurasthenia, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If symptoms significantly affect daily life, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Lack of Visual Information
In the dark, the eyes cannot capture environmental cues, causing the brain to generate signals of unease due to uncertainty, which may trigger fear. Installing motion-sensor lights in frequently used areas and leaving a nightlight on before bedtime can help. Gradually practice relaxing in dimly lit environments to become accustomed to darkness.
2. Negative Childhood Experiences
Negative events such as frights or isolation experienced in the dark during childhood may leave lasting memories. Exposure to darkness in adulthood can then trigger fear responses. Recalling and processing these past experiences, talking about them with trusted individuals, and seeking psychological counseling when necessary can help alleviate emotional distress.
3. Anxiety Disorder
An imbalance of neurotransmitters can amplify anxiety, making darkness a triggering factor that leads to intense fear, palpitations, sweating, and other symptoms. Medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets, paroxetine tablets, or escitalopram oxalate tablets may be used under medical supervision, along with maintaining a regular sleep schedule to stabilize mood.
4. Neurasthenia
Prolonged mental stress can make the brain's nerves prone to both overexcitement and fatigue. In the dark, it becomes harder to control fearful thoughts, intensifying feelings of unease. Under medical guidance, medications such as oryzanol tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, or alprazolam tablets may be taken. Avoid staying up late and excessive mental exertion.
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If a person has experienced severe trauma—such as violence or accidents—in a dark environment, darkness may become a trauma cue, triggering flashbacks and fear. Medications such as fluoxetine hydrochloride tablets, mirtazapine tablets, or venlafaxine extended-release tablets may be prescribed. In severe cases, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may be required.
In daily life, gradual dark-adaptation training can be practiced, starting with short periods in dim light and progressively increasing duration. Maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid exposure to scary movies or TV shows before bedtime. Participate more in social activities to enhance psychological security. Regularly assess your mental state and intervene promptly if abnormal emotions arise.
