Talking in your sleep? Here’s what it means for your health
Main reasons why people talk in their sleep (photo: Freepik)
Many people talk in their sleep at night without even realizing it. In most cases, this is harmless, but frequent or intense episodes may indicate sleep disorders, lack of sleep, or psychological issues, according to Health.
Signs of sleep talking
According to the journal Sleep, talking in your sleep can occur at any stage of sleep.
During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, brain activity increases, leading to faster eye movement, quicker breathing and heart rate, and vivid dreams.
People who talk in their sleep may curse, shout, laugh, or whisper. Episodes are usually short, lasting 3–10 seconds. Chronic sleep talkers may experience multiple periods of talking at night, often without remembering it in the morning.
Why people talk in their sleep
The exact cause isn’t fully understood. Sleep talking is more common in people with Parkinson’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, or sleep behavior disorders.
Episodes can also be triggered by emotional or physical factors. Anxiety and stress may provoke sleep talking.
Other contributors include:
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Alcohol and drug use
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Mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, PTSD)
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Insomnia or difficulty falling asleep
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Sleep deprivation
Dream patterns may also be hereditary, with children and teenagers more likely to talk in their sleep.
Sleep talking is generally harmless but can disrupt sleep and may sometimes indicate an underlying health condition requiring attention. It can also disturb partners or family members, potentially causing insomnia for them.
Tips to reduce sleep talking
There’s no guaranteed cure for sleep talking, but improving sleep quality can help:
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Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
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Sleep in a dark, cool, and quiet room
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Avoid blue light from phones or electronic devices before bed
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Limit or avoid caffeine during the day
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Exercise regularly
If your partner talks in their sleep, consider using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to minimize disturbances.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
