Betel (בְּטֵל) is the Aramaic form used in Daniel 6:18 describing King Darius's state the night Daniel was cast into the lions' den: his food was not brought, his entertainment ceased, and he could not sleep. The word captures a complete suspension of normal comfort and pleasure — the cessation of everything that normally fills a king's night. This Aramaic root shares meaning with the Hebrew batel (H988).
The dramatic irony of Daniel 6 hinges on this word. While the righteous Daniel faced death in the pit below, the pagan king above lay awake in a different kind of torment — his diversions had all become betel (ceased, empty). His fasting and sleeplessness mirror the vigilance of prayer. God used the king's sleepless night to set the stage for the morning vindication, showing that human power is limited while divine protection is absolute.