How do I overcome being afraid of the dark?!

How do I overcome being afraid of the dark?

Well, just recently this past week I've had a lot of trouble sleeping. I don't have health issues, etc. It's causing problems because I'll stay up until like 5am, fal asleep for a couple hours, wake back up and become very irratable throughout the day. I've tried many things, even asked for advice on here, but I didn't really hear anything I didn't already know, so nothing helped. For example, I was told to try and sleep when I feel tired, but I always feel tired anyway and still can't sleep.

So I was reading something about how you should make sure to keep all light sources off while trying to sleep. I have trouble with this because I always sleep with a small lamp on. So I'm wondering how do I get myself to no longer be afraid of the dark. I usually have a panic attack if I'm in the dark by myself, and I'm almost always alone at night by myself. Any advice?

2 weeks ago
Extra info, in case this helps. I'm afraid of the dark because as a kid I was always forced to watch horror movies with my siblings, so now when I'm in the dark, usually images of those horror movies come to mind. I know they're not real, but it still freaks me out.

Well first thing is to address your fear. Watch a few horror movies with a close friend with the lights on and laugh at them, horror movies can be more hysterical than comedies if you have the right crowd! I suggest watching the Leprechaun or whatever it is called, with the little lucky charms looking dude, it is hilarious! Then watch some in the dark and laugh, and realize that it is the same thing, just a movie...made in Hollywood. If you become a little frightened then take yourself back to reality by looking at your friend or at the television and remember that it is not happening to you.
Also, spend more time in the dark. Eat some carrots and allow your pupils to dilate and take in the dark. If you let yourself unwind from the hussle and bussle it is relaxing to go for a walk through the grass barefoot, in the starlight. Or walking through your house when dark, humming to yourself. Nothing is going to jump out from any closets! This is real life not a movie.
I don't know your religion, but perhaps reading the Bible or doing some form of prayer with a little bit of light before bed until tired. When you get tired, wrap up the prayer, and shut off the light.
Goodnight...