Like any other phobia, Somniphobia has two treatment types: medicinal and behavioural therapies. Most of the time, Somniphobia occurs due to a traumatic experience, which is why therapies are the best option to treat this disorder. The treatment methods are in detail below:
1. Medicines
Medicines are available to calm the anxious sensation and other physical symptoms of restlessness. These medicines are:
2. Therapies
Different therapies are available to treat Somniphobia to its root. These are as follows:
Cognitive behaviour therapy is an effective treatment that approaches to help patients manage their cognitive functions. It allows people to control their anxious thoughts, emotion and behaviour.
In addition, it is proven that CBT can also help to reduce fear and panic. Thus, it will help patients change their attitude towards sleep and start reasoning regarding their fear of sleep.
Exposure therapy is another helpful approach to the treatment of Somniphobia. Here the therapist exposes the patients gradually to their fears. Exposure therapy for this phobia will make one comfortable sleeping by using relaxation techniques and gently exposing them to the fear.
It is one of the most effective therapies for specific phobias and helps people learn how to manage the adverse anxious situation during fear.
Imagery rehearsal therapy is for those who experience Somniphobia due to extremely fearful nightmares. In this technique, therapists are likely to tell people the reason behind the nightmares and find ways to explain and rehearse them.
So here is how you become familiar with the effects of nightmares and learn techniques to respond to them.
Apart from these mentioned above, yoga and meditation is highly beneficial for this type of phobia as it can reduce inner anxiety and instigate peace of mind. Additionally, try to regularly practise mindfulness, and calming rituals before bedtime to reduce anxious thoughts.