Do you talk in your sleep and why?

Talking in your sleep, officially somniloquy, is one of the forms of parasomnia, i.e. behavioral disturbances during sleep. It is characterized by deep sleep talking, is very common and is not considered a medical problem.

People talk in their sleep for a maximum of 30 seconds continuously, but some can repeat it several times during the night. These are sometimes very clear expressions and so one can completely understand what the sleeper is saying. However, sometimes it will be mumbling that is difficult to understand, so as you listen it will seem like they are talking to themselves. Some whisper and some shout.

Who talks in his sleep?

Half of children between the ages of three and ten talk in their sleep, and only a small number of adults - about 5 percent. Some can talk every night.

Both men and women do it equally. Experts believe that talking in your sleep is hereditary.

Why do we talk in our sleep?

Scientists are not yet sure whether we talk in our sleep or not, because somniloquy occurs in all stages of sleep. In most cases, it is completely harmless, but sometimes it can be a sign of a sleep disorder or a certain health condition.

During nightmares or fears, children scream, shout and hit each other. It's hard to wake them up from that state. Children who have nightmares are more likely to sleepwalk and talk in their sleep. Talking in a dream can occur during sleepwalking, but also during sleep eating disorders, a state in which a person eats in his sleep.

Behavioral disturbance during REM sleep can result in yelling, growling, and even violent behavior.

What can encourage talking in a dream?

If you normally don't talk in your sleep and suddenly start talking, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

certain medications, emotional stress, temperature, mental disorders, the influence of narcotics.

When should you see a doctor?

If talking in your sleep occurs suddenly, in adulthood, and if it is accompanied by fear, screaming and violent reactions, it would be a good idea to see a doctor specializing in sleep. Also, if you think your child has sleep problems, it's a good idea to talk to a pediatrician to find out more.

In adults, sleep talking is associated with lack of sleep and even insomnia, says sleep specialist Mihjl Breus.

Can talking in sleep be reduced?

There is no known way to reduce sleep talking. Avoiding stress and getting plenty of sleep will reduce the likelihood of nighttime conversations.

You can keep a sleep diary that will show you the rhythm of falling asleep and waking up. Run it for two weeks. Write down the time you went to bed, the approximate time you fell asleep, and the time you woke up.

It's a good idea to write down any medications you took and what time of day you took them. Also write down what you drank each day, especially when it comes to caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Write down when you exercised, reports B92.