Why Do People Have a Visceral Reaction to Sleeping with the Closet Door Open?

Have you ever noticed how people have such a strong reaction to leaving the closet door open while they sleep? It's a phenomenon that has puzzled psychologists and even casual observers alike. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind this visceral reaction, examining the impact of aesthetics, psychological factors, and personal experiences.

The Cultural and Psychological Reasons

Many individuals believe that having the closet door open symbolizes an entrance to the nether world, which most of us find unsettling. This symbolism can be deeply ingrained in our subconscious. For instance, as a child, my (Qwen) closet had two trap doors. One in the ceiling led to the attic where bats occasionally made appearances, while the other led to a space behind the wall where my big sisters would hide and frighten me.

This experience taught me that leaving something heavy on the trap door was a good idea! During the winter in New Hampshire, where the chimney went through my closet, I would often leave the door open. However, once summer came around, I preferred to close it to keep the chill out. With the door open, I could always see that nothing untoward was inside, which brought me comfort.

My dog, Tinker Bell, a golden Cocker Spaniel, would snuggle up next to the door for warmth, providing both comfort and a sense of security as she snored throughout the night.

Personal Aesthetics and Sleep Quality

Many people, like myself, enjoy the aesthetic quality of having all closet doors closed, especially double doors. Open double doors can be distracting and pull one out of a desired sleeping or romantic state. However, my husband did not share this opinion, often overwhelming me with his insistence on keeping the closet door open.

As a child, I had the old-fashioned standard closets, and I never had concerns about the doors being open. I never really worried about monsters in the closet—something that many grown-ups assume children might fear.

Psychological and Emotional Stressors

There are various psychological factors that can contribute to a strong dislike of leaving the closet door open. Stress and anxiety can trigger changes in perception, making shadows and sounds seem more threatening. A cricket chirp can suddenly sound like a child's laughter. Mental illness or emotional distress can also cause similar phantom experiences.

Other factors include traumatic experiences from one's past, such as horror movies that were supposed to be watched only by older children but were instead seen early on. Cultural and familial traditions can also play a role, further influencing one's perception of safety and security.

Personal Experiences and Adaptation

I personally hate having the closet door open at night, so I removed it altogether. This decision enables my mind to play tricks and explore its own imaginative scenarios. While I still get a bit freaked out from time to time, I've made significant progress in managing these reactions.

The decision to leave the closet door open or not is highly personalized. It depends on individual experiences, psychological states, and emotional well-being. Whether it's due to stress, psychological triggers, or just a preference for personal aesthetics, the choice is ultimately a deeply personal one.