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From my understanding, being afraid of the dark is a natural occurance that may be a result of a survival instinct from our primitive ancestors. For example, we didn't know what creatures were out there lurking in the wilderness waiting to eat us, so we had to be on guard to protect ourselves. I dont' think that it is the dark itself as much as it is the "unknown" that resides in the dark.
I am going to take a shot on the anxiety component. Let's discuss "fight, flight, or freeze." Our primitive ancestors as slightly mentioned above had to constantly deal with survival. Our nervous system reacts when there is a threat (i.e. Something hairy with big teeth and claws) and our body reacts by either "fighting (not my choice but only if I had to protect my young), fleeing (more up my alley), or freezing (Hopefully this doesn't happen because then you'll end up as chop suey for tigers). Your body naturally responds (i.e. allows your lungs to take in more air, digestive system shuts down (yeah now wouldn't be the time for accidents unless of course you do that freezing thing that I mentioned earlier). Anyway this is all to prepare your body to come out alive. After threat is over... Body returns back to homeostasis (balances back out, everything goes back to normal). So, in folks with anxiety disorders, might not have the turn off /go back to normal button. So, then there is an unnatural constant fear...What was that? what's that in the corner? Is that a really big jacket or a monster in my closet?
Although this might not answer the question as in detail or as scientific as you would like, it might give you some idea. Hope it helps!!!
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoYou are afraid of the dark because you don't know what is in it as we don't know about death - its a fear of the unknown.
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Fear of being in the dark?
The fear of being in the dark is Lygophobia. The fear of dark or night is Nyctophobia.
What is the name of the fear of dark bathrooms?
There is no formal name for fear of dark bathrooms. It can be just said as the fear of dark.
When was Fear- s - of the Dark created?
Fear- s - of the Dark was created in 2007.
When was Fear of the Dark - Doctor Who - created?
Fear of the Dark - Doctor Who - was created in 2003.
What is the duration of Fear- s - of the Dark?
The duration of Fear- s - of the Dark is 1.42 hours.
When was Fear of the Dark - song - created?
Fear of the Dark - song - was created on 1993-03-01.
What is scientific term for fear of the dark?
Nyctophobi. Fear of the dark, however, is different from nyctophobia in the sense that fear of the dark is natural whereas nyctophobia is a pathological phobia. Also Scotophobia
What are the Lyrics of fear of the dark by iron maiden?
I am the man who walks alone And when I'm walking a dark road At night or strolling through the park When the light begins to change I sometimes feel a little strange A little anxious when it's dark Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have constant fear that something's always near Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have a phobia that someone's always there Have you run your fingers down the wall And have you felt your neck skin crawl When you're searching for the light? Sometimes when you're scared to take a look At the corner of the room You've sensed that something's watching you Have you ever been alone at night Thought you heard footsteps behind And turned around and no one's there? And as you quicken up your pace You find it hard to look again Because you're sure there's someone there Watching horror films the night before Debating witches and folklore The unknown troubles on your mind I know your mind is playing tricks You sense, and suddenly eyes fix On dancing shadows from behind Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have constant fear that something's always near Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have a phobia that someone's always there Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have constant fear that something's always near Fear of the dark, fear of the dark I have a phobia that someone's always there When I'm walking a dark road I am the man who walks alone
What is the name of the phobia when you are afraid of the dark?
I think Noctophobia is the fear of night, so it might be the same for dark :P
What is the name for the fear of shadows at night?
Fear of the dark and the night are actually two different things. Fear of the dark is Lygophobia. Fear of the night is Nyctophobia.
What actors and actresses appeared in Fear of the Dark - 2011?
The cast of Fear of the Dark - 2011 includes: Daniel Vivian as The Figure
Is it weird that a 13 year old is afraid of the dark?
No, it is not weird for a 13-year-old to be afraid of the dark. Fear of the dark is a common fear that can affect people of all ages. It is a normal part of growing up and can be due to a fear of the unknown or a fear of potential dangers that may be present in the dark.
