Tips for getting through the night home alone

34 replies

Flower836385 · 09/07/2026 20:38

Posting in AIBU for traffic…
I was a victim of a violent crime as a child so I am scared of the dark as an almost 40 year old. My husband is working away and I need to get through tonight in my house and try and get some sleep. Usually if he’s away I end up staying awake until about 3:30am when I’m too tired to not fall asleep. I feel too scared to go to sleep. Recent news about home invasions in the US also spook me and I can’t stop thinking about them and imagining an intruder is in my house.
Id really like to try and get a few hours sleep tonight as I’ve got a full day ahead tomorrow with two little kids.
Any tips?
I already semi barricade my door,(don’t worry I can get to the kids) and leave the tv on.

thanks!

OP posts:

BEAchDays2 · 09/07/2026 21:09

A dog

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 09/07/2026 21:06

So, I don’t want to feed your anxiety, but when I’ve felt insecure I’ve laid booby traps around. So obstacles that would be loud if they were disrupted. It allowed me to ignore minor creaks and taps, as any intruder would be massively noisy.

dollyblue01 · 09/07/2026 21:06

Leave a light on downstairs and and in the hall as it looks like someone’s up , keep
your phone by your bed and there is always someone up on Mumsnet if you need a chat , you can do this , it also gets light around 4.15 as well, no one’s about then.

Washingforweeks · 09/07/2026 21:04

Night nurse helps me drift off

Stompythedinosaur · 09/07/2026 21:03

Allow yourself one check that all doors and windows are locked (ideally earlier as soon as your dh leaves) and then keep your mind busy.

Try to challenge any thoughts as they come up - the house is secure and you are safe.

walkingmyway · 09/07/2026 21:03

Lights on
for the TV I keep it on just a low volume with usually a Harry Potter YouTube video from sleepy shack channel but you can search for sleep stories

Thunderdcc · 09/07/2026 20:52

Leave the lights on downstairs. No self respecting burglar is going to target a house that looks like people are still awake vs ones in darkness.

nocoolnamesleft · 09/07/2026 20:50

Looking towards the future, do you think this is a PTSD thing? If so, EMDR can be life changing.

InkyWink · 09/07/2026 20:46

I'm so sorry that happened to you. I think it's really brave that you are doing this despite your fear. Would a really funny stand up comedian help take the edge off? Or depending on the age of your kids would you feel better being all together in one room?

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