In Franz Kafka's "Letters to Milena," the author expresses profound feelings of anxiety and existential dread. He reflects on the suffocating nature of his fears, suggesting that if he were to succumb completely to them like sinking in water, he would lose the will to live. This illustrates the intense emotional struggle he faces, caught between his fears and the desire for existence.

The quote emphasizes the desperation of his situation, implying that sleep, or escape from his fears, is unattainable. Instead of finding solace, he finds himself in deeper turmoil, highlighting the complexity of his emotional state and the broader human experience of dealing with fear and despair.