AceShowbiz - Paris Hilton has been "scared to fall asleep" for years. The 42-year-old socialite claimed three years ago that she had been subjected to "verbal, physical, emotional and psychological" torture whilst a student at Provo Canyon - a psychiatric youth residential facility - in Utah and she's admitted it wasn't until she spoke about her ordeal that she finally stopped having "terrifying" nightmares.

"Up until sharing my story publicly three years ago, I was scared to fall asleep. I wish I could have filmed my dreams and show you what they're like. They're terrifying and I am grateful to be on a path to healing so I don't have to relive them every night," she admitted in the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

The "Paris In Love" star - who has Phoenix, 10 months, and newborn London with husband Carter Reum - has vowed to turn "pain into purpose" by campaigning against "abusive" conduct in such facilities worldwide.

She wrote, "I was unable to report what I was experiencing, and for over two decades, I bottled up my emotions. But now, I am turning that pain into purpose."

"It is my goal that by the time Phoenix and London are teenagers, no child is abused in the name of 'treatment' worldwide and there are more community-based options to support and serve families. Research shows that is the most effective option."

Paris admitted becoming a mother has served as a reminder of her own "stolen" childhood. She wrote, "This year, I stepped into my most important role as a mother to my beautiful son, Phoenix, and now a beautiful daughter, London."

"As I dream about the magic of childhood and who they will become, I am constantly reminded of the childhood that was stolen from me. I never want them, or any child to go through what I did."