4 year old night time problems due to fear of the dark

[HairyMaclary5]

My four year old DD has only recently started sleeping through the night (12 hours) in the last month or so. Prior to that she would always be up at least once a night, or if she did sleep through we would have a 4 or 5 am start.

In the last week however, things have rapidly deteriorated. Out of nowhere she's started saying she's afraid of the dark and having panic attacks going to bed, then waking numerous times in the night and crying again about being scared, seeing monsters etc.

She has a very bright nightlight in her room and has the hall light on so I'm not sure what else we can do. Anyone have any tips on what worked for them? Or is it just a case of riding it out?

I'd ask her how you can help, Maybe start by asking her where she can see the monsters, maybe leaving closets open or leaving a torch under her bed so she can see that there's nothing there could help.

Honestly though I haven't a clue - can imagine it's very distressing for her and for you. I really hope you find something that works.

(Mainly a bump post!!!!!)

Not sure of your circumstances obviously but could you put a mattress or topper on the floor of your bedroom so if she wakes she can come into your room and sleep there without disturbing you?
IKEA do a good nightlight.

My DS was afraid of the dark for a long time - still is in fact at 8.5. A night life was never enough and so for along time he slept with the bedside lamp on. It never interfered with his sleep and meant he never woke up in a dark room

With ds2 we ended up having a nightlight at one side of the room, and a lamp at the other side. Plus we left his bedroom door open and the landing light on, and our bedroom door had to be left open a crack.

I sometimes ended up sleeping in a chair in his room.

Not really any help. But I empathize.

Have a read of this OP, it might help with some strategies to combat the fear of monsters, including an aromatherapy monster spray -

www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fear-of-monsters-2671891

In regards to being scared of the dark, maybe go with her this weekend to pick out a special brave torch? Then if she wakes in the night she has her special torch to use to help her feel in 'control?'

My sister was afraid of the dark, and falling to sleep. My mum would play her audio books to help soothe her. I play relaxing piano lullabies for DS. Might be an idea, perhaps it's the combination of silence and darkness which can feel overwhelming?

We made a monster spray out of a plant spray bottle and that seemed to help. Just water in it but I suppose lavender drops or something if you could trust he wouldn't try to drink it. I spray a few times before bed. Worth a try?

Thank you very much everyone for your great advice and ideas. I really like the thought of the monster spray and the torch. Also hadn't thought about the silence being scary too so calming music would work well - she likes listening to music anyway.

It's just very odd it started out of nowhere, not sure what has spooked her that particular night - maybe a bad dream or something that happened during the day, as before that she was sleeping 12 hours a night.

Trying to make sure we stay calm and patient with her during the night when she wakes us up, rather than getting cross with her. I just long for uninterrupted sleep again. Here's hoping she doesn't keep it up till 8.5!!!!

I've just downloaded an app called 'Dahl Audio' and it's Roald Dahl audiobooks & it's fab!

Kate winslet reading Matilda gets my DS off.

I hope it all improves fr your sake and your daughters sake!

Just for reassurance - my 4 yo developed a fear of the dark/monsters almost overnight too. She has a lamp on all night plus landing light left on and door open. I think (based on no actual knowledge) that it’s quite common and I had similar fears when I was a kid

thanks both. WeSaluteYou - how does your DD sleep with the lights on? Is it not tricky in the morning as they won't know whether it's time to get up if all the lights have been on overnight. At least if they get up early you can say, it's still dark, back to bed!

At bedtime she has her lamp on - it’s a Phillips hue smart bulb. Plus the landing light on. The bulb is set to dim at 9pm so whilst it’s still easy to see everything in the room if she wakes, it’s not bright at such. When I go to bed I turn the landing light off and turn the bathroom light on with the door ajar - again enough light for her to see but not bright. She also has the gro clock in her room so understands when it’s time to get up