I get too scared to sleep

I don't know what's wrong with me. I'll wake up at night sometimes and then I just get so paranoid. If the door is open, I get obsessed with the thought that someone or something will come in to hurt me. If it's dark, I can't walk across the room to shut the door because I can't stop thinking that someone is under my bed ready to reach out and grab me and do God knows what to me. I just get so scared at night, and I don't understand why. I'm spending more time awake at night and it's hurting my grades, plus I don't feel quite alert enough to drive, but I have to. I don't want to fail any more classes and I don't want to wreck the car, I need sleep... How can I get more sleep?

Anxiety cases what your experiencing. Talk to your Therapist about your anxiety.

Can you sleep with a dim light on? Being able to see when you wake up may help.

Hm, I suppose so, yes. But my fear of open doors is troubling

There is obviously an underlying issue here but I have managed to get through sleep problems before by leaving the lights on and covering my eyes. Yes it sounds crazy that this might work, but I found that it did for me. I wear a sleep mask and I am able to sleep, just knowing that the light is there.

I have had this happen to me before and I know that it can be frustrating.

That's terrible. I've had insomnia, but I think fear would definitely be worse, mentally and health-wise, for me. Try a nightlight, or some "safe" music, or if you have a therapist, even better. Good luck!