Many adults and children quietly struggle with nyctophobia, commonly known as fear of the dark. It’s not just about being afraid of darkness — it’s a fear of what might be in it.
Studies show that around 11% of adults admit to feeling uneasy or anxious in complete darkness. But the good news is, this fear can be reduced using gradual exposure therapy.
So, what exactly is gradual exposure therapy? It’s a proven psychological technique where you face your fears slowly, step-by-step, instead of avoiding them. For example, if you’re afraid of the dark, you start with mild situations — like dim lighting — and gradually progress toward spending short periods in complete darkness.
Over time, your mind learns that darkness itself isn’t dangerous, and your fear response weakens naturally. You don’t need a therapist to start. You can practice gradual exposure therapy at home with consistency and patience. The key is to stay calm, repeat each step daily, and only move to the next level when you feel ready.
Our interactive self-help app below guides you through a 10-day challenge designed to retrain your mind and reduce your anxiety around darkness. Each day’s task comes with a slider — you rate your comfort level and track your improvement. By Day 10, you’ll see your overall progress in percentage, helping you understand how far you’ve come.
Fear thrives in avoidance — but fades with exposure. Start today, one step (or one dim light) at a time, and experience how gradual exposure therapy can help you rediscover calmness, even in the dark.

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