Fear of lying down?

davidsitges

Registered User
Apr 26, 2018
14
0
For at least a couple of months now my OH has been sleeping every night in a chair (usually fully dressed), refusing to come to bed and lie down. The nearest is getting him to sit on the end of the bed - but he falls asleep in the sitting position. Then, of course, he complains about a bad back. Recently he had to go for a brain scan and got as far as sitting on the scanner bench but refused to lay back and so they couldn't do the scan.
Also about 2 months ago was when he had a fall and knocked himself unconscious.
Does this add up to a fear of lying down? I haven't heard of it from anyone else but can't explain why he won't sleep in a bed. And if it is a fear, how to overcome it?
 

Bunpoots

Volunteer Host
Apr 1, 2016
7,332
0
Nottinghamshire
Hi.

I've not heard of this before. My dad would sometimes sleep in his chair but if I could get him to move he'd go to bed. Would an occupational therapist be able to help? Perhaps one of those beds which has a back that tilts up would make him feel safer as he'd never be "falling" into nothing - he'd be supported all the way to lying down. Perhaps an OT would have a device which could achieve this with an ordinary bed.

I'm thinking of something like this:
https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/beds-and-bedding/bed-supports-and-hoists/adjustable-back-rest
 
Last edited:

Sirena

Registered User
Feb 27, 2018
2,324
0
I was thinking along the same lines as Bunpoots, I'd ask for an OT referral. Maybe a reclining chair would help so he could at least sleep comfortably even if not in bed.
 

nae sporran

Registered User
Oct 29, 2014
9,213
0
Bristol
The physio ordered a bed raiser for C, which only raises the mattress under the pillow, but as she has trouble with her back which makes her reluctant to get into bed it does just make it that bit easier. A bed leaver also helps.
I've never heard of a fear of lying down though @davidsitges, sorry.
 

Toony Oony

Registered User
Jun 21, 2016
576
0
When Mum lived in her own assisted living apartment, she often said she was frightened of going to bed and would sleep fully clothed in the chair. With Mum I think it was her every present fear of dying - that if she lay down she would never get up again. In some way she reasoned that she could control things by sleeping upright.
It is obvious that there is a fear of something - hope you discover what it is and find a remedy.
 

Mojosho

Registered User
Sep 13, 2019
31
0
For at least a couple of months now my OH has been sleeping every night in a chair (usually fully dressed), refusing to come to bed and lie down. The nearest is getting him to sit on the end of the bed - but he falls asleep in the sitting position. Then, of course, he complains about a bad back. Recently he had to go for a brain scan and got as far as sitting on the scanner bench but refused to lay back and so they couldn't do the scan.
Also about 2 months ago was when he had a fall and knocked himself unconscious.
Does this add up to a fear of lying down? I haven't heard of it from anyone else but can't explain why he won't sleep in a bed. And if it is a fear, how to overcome it?
My husband gets up every night and goes to his chair. He seems afraid of sleeping in his bed. He also refuses to get under the duvet and lies on top with all his clothes on. I think it's to do with himmhaving a lot of heart failure episodes at night in bed so now he has Dementia he is scared. I haven't found an answer to it I'm afraid. I just make sure he's warm and safe.
 

davidsitges

Registered User
Apr 26, 2018
14
0
Many thanks for the quick replies! This forum is so helpful.
It is interesting to hear of several similar situations which, if not the same as mine, are similar. It still doesn't solve what the fear is but it is reassuring.
Very helpful suggestion (and link) from @Bunpoots - will follow up with OT.
 

Dimpsy

Registered User
Sep 2, 2019
1,906
0
Clinophobia = Fear of beds or going to bed
Somniphobia = Abnormal / irrational fear of sleep.

Good advice from others before; my dad was very comfortable in his recliner chair, especially as he could control the movement.
 

DesperateofDevon

Registered User
Jul 7, 2019
3,274
0
Clinophobia = Fear of beds or going to bed
Somniphobia = Abnormal / irrational fear of sleep.

Good advice from others before; my dad was very comfortable in his recliner chair, especially as he could control the movement.

how many points is that in scrabble?

joking aside - impressive knowledge @Dimpsy

remote controls & men are a happy combination!
 

annielou

Registered User
Sep 27, 2019
1,917
0
Yorkshire
When he fell and was unconscious was he laid flat when he came to? He may be remembering that scarey feeling of coming round or slipping in and out of consciousness while lying down, or perhaps if he went in an ambulance on a stretcher and felt motion sickness while travelling laying down or felt scared about what was happening he may remember that feeling and may not be able to seperate the situation after falling from the laying down part of the memory.
A neighbour of ours once passed out and was taken in an ambulance laid on a stretcher and said it was a really horrible sensation. A few years later she needed an ambulance for another reason and even though she was fully conscious that time she insisted she wud only go on seat rather than a flat stretcher.
It could be something similar with your husband, though I don't know how you'd get round it if it is.
Maybe you could try one of those foam wedge cushions for the bed so he can lie in bed in a semi upright position rather than flat.
 

Kay111

Registered User
Sep 19, 2019
283
0
Hi @davidsitges - my dad is similar in that he hates lying down fully, or at least it used to take a while for us to convince him to lie down for bed. What we found worked was mum to lie down first and pretend to be readying for sleep, and while she was already lying down to say hey, it's time to lean back and sleep etc and gently encourage him that way.

I think for dad, a big part of it was not wanting to be lying down when everyone else was still upright and fussing about! Not sure if that helps at all. Good luck!
 

Dimpsy

Registered User
Sep 2, 2019
1,906
0
I was just catching up with the posts and remembered my father in law (who passed away in the early 90's.
He was a large man who had heart problems and smoked and during his final years he slept downstairs in his armchair.
When he lay down he had difficulty breathing as his chest filled up.
I just thought I'd mention another reason why your OH would be more comfortable sleeping upright, but it's a very obvious reason and probably doesn't apply to your OH.
 

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