Article: If you fear being alone at night because of someone breaking in, because of a medical emergency, or because of a disaster like a fire, taking measures to ensure your safety will help ease some fear. You can take practical steps to prepare yourself in case an emergency occurs. Lock all doors and windows before going to sleep Familiarize yourself with fire escape routes Consider getting a security alarm Make sure you have a working, charged phone nearby Take a self-defense course Know who to call in an emergency It's easy to give in to your fears and imagine the worst-case scenario when you're at home alone. You may be tempted to keep the lights on, keep the TV on, always invite a friend over at night, or compulsively check your locks before you go to bed. These ritualized behaviors will increase your anxiety about being alone at night in the long-run. Avoid asking someone to come stay with you too often Find rational explanations for noises you hear in the middle of the night Wear earplugs or use a sound machine to block out strange sounds Go to counseling if you start to obsess over your fears or if they interfere with sleep Getting to know your neighbors is a good way to make sure other people know who you are and can keep an eye out for you. Befriending your neighbors is good for social connection, too! You might meet other people who live alone and set up a system where each of you agrees to check up on each other if you haven't heard from each other in a few days. While you can learn to cope with any loneliness and frustration of being alone, there are some instances where being alone may start to be unsafe for you. This is especially true if you are an older adult or have any chronic health issues. Reach out to a trusted friend, loved one, or physician for help if you have: Difficulty managing your medications Difficulty paying your bills Difficulty bathing Difficulty eating well Difficulty with balance and falls Difficulty keeping your house clean Difficulty getting out to connect with other people

What is a summary?
Ensure your safety. Confront your fears. Befriend your neighbors. Know when to seek help.