Sleep Talking

The utterance of speech or sounds during sleep without being aware of the event is known as sleep talking. This is not an uncommon problem, especially in children. Somniloquy of sleep talking can occur at any point in the sleep cycle with the fact that the lighter the sleep the more understandable the speech. It is said that during the early stages of sleep people may have entire conversations while in deeper sleep, this may be restricted to moans and nonsense.

People who talk while asleep are not aware of the fact. The factors that are often responsible for sleep talking are anxiety disorders, strain, and fevers. In most cases, sleep talking is not serious and can be resolved over time or with age. Of course sometimes sleep talking has been associated with other sleep disorders, this is the only time when it could become serious.

Social humiliation is often the most serious outcome of sleep talking or somniloquy, as a lot of unintentional information is verbalized. There are times when sleep talking also disturbs the sleep of the affected person or the bed partner. It is in situations like this that further evaluation should be considered.

What are the symptoms associated with sleep talking?

Sleep talking or somniloquy is often accompanied by muttering or speaking during sleep. There are times when speaking and muttering is accompanied by moaning, singing and shouting.

What are the causes of sleep talking?

Sleep talking may be associated with:

• Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders.
• Medical disorders like febrile illness (fever).
• Sleep disorders such as obstructive apnea syndrome, sleep walking, or REM sleep behavior disorder.

What does the treatment for sleep talking include?

Sleep hygiene – Where the patient is educated to avoid drugs, alcohol and sleep deprivation.
Medications – This program includes teaching the patient about the usage of antidepressants or sleeping pills to promote sleep.
Cognitive behavioral therapy – In this program the patient is provided with effective, long-term strategies to overcome anxiety or stress.

Tips to reduce sleep talking

• Reduce stress levels as much as possible.
• Do not partake of a heavy meal before bedtime.
• Follow a proper sleep routine.
• Get proper rest as deficiency of sleep increases somniloquy.