Nyctophobia is an intense fear of darkness or night. Individuals with this phobia often experience anxiety, panic attacks, or distress when in dark environments. This fear can stem from traumatic experiences, learned behaviors, or even a heightened sensitivity to fear-inducing stimuli. People with nyctophobia may avoid situations that involve darkness, such as sleeping with the lights off or going outside at night. Treatment options include therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals confront and manage their fears. In some cases, exposure therapy may also be used to gradually desensitize the person to darkness.