Rosemary,
I know what you mean about being alone at night. I live with my mom, stepdad, and step brother for the time being, and mom and step dad work third shift. I try to be in bed by about 2 o'clock in the morning because my grandfather, who doesn't live very far away, usually goes to bed about that time. It's like my security blanket. But I won't go to bed any earlier because I'm afraid to wake up in the middle of the night, I feel my worst when I first wake up.
I know it sounds like the worlds hardest thing to do, but the BEST time to push ahead is when you've had any kind of set back, it gets you over the set back and gives you a feeling of accomplishment...which for me personally, goes along way to get me out of the house again, or do what ever I'm having a hard time doing.
Try exercizing during the day, it will help you sleep and it will help the anxiety. Even a ten minute walk down the street and back if you're like me, who's pretty out of shape. Maybe it will help with taking the sleeping pills, as in you not having to. Just don't exercize to close to bed time, or you'll never get any sleep...trust me, I made that mistake, lol.
Pretty much all my phobias have to do with being alone...being home alone, being at a store alone, living alone, eating alone...I'm sure you get the idea! lol But I'm starting to get better at those things because of the program and this forum. Just hang in there, and if you need someone to talk to, we're all here for you!