Somniphobia is defined as "a persistent, abnormal, and unwarranted fear of sleep", and this condition causes thousands of people major distress every year. There are many reasons why people may suffer from somniphobia, as with any fear: they may have had repeated bad experiences with
nightmares/night terrors as a child. Known by many names—somniphobia and fear of sleep being the most common—the problem often
significantly impacts
quality of life. It can cause panic attacks, and symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, irregular heartbeat and a sense of impending doom/dread.