RESEARCH SUGGESTS ALMOST ONE IN FOUR MEN SLEEP WITH A LIGHT ON

A MAN has spoken of a fear few men ever admit to – he is afraid of the dark.

Ben Hallinan, an assistant manager from Brighouse, has been afraid of the dark all of his life.

A new survey has revealed 23% of men sleep with the light on due to a fear of the night.

Ben said: “I’m not sure what triggered it, possibly a scary film when I was younger, but I’ve always had to sleep with the light on. I’ve got so used to it now that I can’t actually nod off without it.

“It was a bit of a shock to my girlfriend when she found out but she’s been really patient and understanding.

“She bought me a nightlight for Christmas last year so the light isn’t too bright and means she can sleep better.”

The 25-year-old added: “I keep saying to her I’ll try sleeping without it but so far it’s not happened. Maybe it will be my new year’s resolution!”

Ben’s other half, Amy Kenny, a sales assistant, said: “I must admit I was shocked when I found out that Ben sleeps with a light on. It’s been a secret, until now, and I think he’s just become too used to it.

“I don’t really mind, I find it quite comforting to have the night light on, but I bet it’s costing us a fortune in electricity bills!”

The research was commissioned by online bed firm Time4Sleep.co.uk

Director Jonathan Warren said: “We know how important sleep is to our customers, so we were curious to discover how many adults are afraid of the dark. We are surprised by just how many men and women admitted to being fearful of the dark, and we would encourage anyone who is nervous at night to invest in a nightlight, or have a relaxing bath before bed.

“Ensuring your bedroom is as tranquil as possible, and investing in a good-quality, comfortable mattress will help you nod off, and stay asleep, catching those much needed I’m not sure what triggered it, possibly a scary film when I was younger, but I’ve always had to sleep with the light on. I’ve got so used to it now that I can’t actually nod off without it