Nictophilia: causes, symptoms and treatment

Nyctophilia is the name given to a strong preference for nighttime. It isn’t classified as a pathology, however it is a problematic condition due to the consequences it may have on health. Depriving oneself of sunlight and interesting in activities contrary to the norm has its consequences.

Strictly speaking, nyctophilia occurs when an individual freely chooses to stay up until late at night. That is not the case with shift employees, who don’t work shifts for pleasure, but due to the demands of the job.

When an individual has nyctophilia, she or he doesn’t necessarily need to be treated. Neither is it mandatory for them to alter their lifestyle.

What’s nyctophilia?

Nictophilia is a condition characterised by an unusual attraction to nighttime and darkness. It isn’t considered a disorder and isn’t included in any of the psychiatric diagnostic manuals.

As such, it may’t be considered an issue. Nonetheless, this kind of behavior might be as a consequence of certain problems. Perhaps it has to do with a sleep problem or problems in adapting to social life.

Each case is different and the circumstances an individual with nyctophilia lives in should be assessed. If this doesn’t cause any problems then we could speak of a straightforward preference.

Causes

Some of the revealing elements to guage nyctophilia is to take a look at what causes it. This behavior can have very diverse origins, which must be cataloged as a way to know if it’s an issue that should be solved or a way of life that has been freely chosen.

Circadian rhythm pattern

The circadian rhythm is a biological cycle that regulates the hours of sleep and wakefulness. Individuals are normally more energetic within the mornings and inactive within the evenings, coinciding with the presence of the sun. Nonetheless, for reasons unknown to science, some people have a special pattern.

Psychological traits

Individuals with a high IQ are inclined to be more energetic at night. The rationale for this isn’t known. Similarly, introverted people find the night more attractive, as social life is way less intense at the moment.

Alteration of habits

Individuals who don’t have a structured routine often develop very flexible sleeping and eating habits. In principle, there’s an inclination to sleep late and get up late as well. If the person doesn’t have any commitments within the mornings, then it may often result in nyctophilia.

Aversive situation

It’s also possible that the person feels somewhat aversive to the daytime. By being awake at night, they seek to avoid this negative stimulus.

Likewise, if the person has suffered a childhood trauma in the course of the night, then this might create an alertness at the moment. This is able to be an effect of post-traumatic stress.

Symptoms of nyctophilia

Because it isn’t a pathology as such, we are able to’t speak of general symptoms as such. What could be done is to stipulate the features which are indicative of this condition and that are problematic:

• Vitamin D deficiency: Sun exposure is crucial for the production of this vitamin. Its deficiency affects mood, but in addition the bone and immune systems.
• Social difficulties: When an individual has little or no social contact as a consequence of the habit of staying awake at night, it is a situation that ought to be assessed by knowledgeable.
• Work problems: Difficulty or impossibility to meet work commitments is an indicator that nictophilia could be very negative for the person.
• Deprivation of rest: If the preference for nighttime results in fewer hours of rest or poor sleep, there’s also an issue.

Treatments available for nyctophilia

Nyctophilia doesn’t require treatment if it doesn’t impair social or work performance, nor significantly affect physical health. If it does, then it’s crucial to seek the advice of a physician to search out ways to beat this condition.

The priority could be to seek the advice of a psychotherapist. This skilled will evaluate each case and can have the ability to detect the issues. The presence of sleep disorders or significant alterations of the circadian rhythm may result in the prescription of medicine.

Generally terms, the healthiest thing to do is to sleep at night and stay up in the course of the day. Regardless of how much attraction there may be to nocturnal times, habits ought to be moderated. Nyctophilia is a suitable lifestyle, so long as it doesn’t result in harmful consequences.

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