Hmm...well I know that I have been afraid of the dark for as long as I could consciously remember...and I'm 53. I remember "freaking out" many times when I was a little kid.
I've always had some sort of hall light or something on...gotta be able to see when I look that nothing is there.
Lord help those who startle me in my sleep; I tend to jump up and lash out in fright...right at the source.
I don't know...could be fears...or primal plus my "heightened sensitivity". Sometimes I wonder if it could be more than that...but what?
Anyways...for years when I am afraid I pray a prayer or sing a song of protection invoking my "lord and savior". Usually helps. Funny after all these years how it hasn't changed though. I don't like the dark!
m.b.