Meaning & use
hypnophobia
An intense, irrational fear of falling asleep or of sleep itself.
See it in a sentence
His hypnophobia made bedtime a source of anxiety rather than rest.
Therapists sometimes treat hypnophobia with relaxation techniques and gradual exposure to sleep routines.
A note on using this word
Hypnophobia combines Greek roots meaning 'sleep' and 'fear'; it is a specific phobia distinct from ordinary insomnia.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “hypnophobia”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.