What is nyctophobia?

Nyctophobia is when someone gets really scared of the dark.

Imagine you're playing with your toys in your room, and all of a sudden, the lights go out, poof! It's completely dark, like night-time outside. You can't see anything, and that might make your heart race or even make you cry. That’s what happens to people with nyctophobia when they're in the dark.

Sometimes, in the dark, it feels like there are things hiding, maybe a shadow on the wall or a loud bang from somewhere. To someone with nyctophobia, those sounds and shapes might seem really scary, even if they’re just your little brother playing with a toy.

It’s kind of like when you're afraid of thunder, you know it's not really going to hurt you, but it still feels big and loud. Nyctophobia is the same way: the dark might feel bigger or more powerful, even if there's nothing actually out to get you.

But don’t worry, with time, or a nightlight, that fear can go away!