Have you ever wondered about the mysterious phenomenon of sleep talking? The moments when words escape our lips during sleep. Perhaps you've experienced it firsthand or know someone who experiences it. We spoke to experts who explained sleep talking, its causes, and treatment measures.
What Is Sleep Talking
Dr Satish Kumar CR, Consultant, Clinical Psychologist, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road said, “Sleep talking or somniloquy is not a medical condition in most cases, but rather a common occurrence. Somniloquy along with somnambulism (sleepwalking) can occur in any person with or without a medical condition or mental disorder.”
In school-going children and teenagers, it is often related to their experiences at school, such as talks about teachers, friends, and regarding the school or studies. In adults, it can be a mere dialogue, statement, or something gibberish, a non-meaningful phrase that is more of a whisper.
According to a study published by Sleep Medicine, an estimated 2 in 3 persons talk while they are asleep at some point in their life.
Effects Of Sleep Talking
Dr Kumar added, “Sleep-talking episodes are usually of short duration that can occur only for a brief period or days, rather than a disorder continuing for months or years. Although it is a normal phenomenon, it can sometimes be unpleasant for the person experiencing it or those around them.” Sleep talkers may awake upon hearing their voices and feel scared. Family members who share the same room can also be disturbed or uncomfortable and may get scared, as sleep-talking episodes may include talking, laughing, or crying events.
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Causes Of Sleep Talking
For children and teenagers, the causes of sleep talking include academic stress, such as pressure to meet deadlines or exam anxiety. In adults, family issues, marital problems, work-related stress, and even alcohol consumption can trigger somniloquy. It is important to identify the underlying stressors that can help to effectively manage sleep talking. This can be done by simply checking your mood whether you’re sad or anxious, or irritated, and subsequently addressing the root causes.
Treatment Of Sleep Talking
As stress is often the source of the problem, thus the very first plan to manage sleep talking involves removing stressful events, resolving problems, or seeking help. Practising relaxation techniques before bedtime and maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding gadgets before sleep and adhering to a regular sleep schedule, hugely improves sleep quality.
Dr Kumar highlighted, “Many times people misunderstand or misguide others who experience sleep-talking and relate it to supernatural events. But, what remains crucial is to identify the cause behind this by consulting a mental health practitioner who can help to easily overcome the condition.”
Anand Nichani, Managing Director, Magniflex India said, “Intake of alcohol and sedatives before bed can also increase the likelihood of sleep talking. If you are a sleep talker, it is good to calm down with the help of meditation and avoid stressful activities before going to sleep.”
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Understand Your Sleep Environment
Nichani said, “Understand what creates chaos in your bedroom. A cluttered bedroom is often considered to cause hindrance in sleep. Aim to create a clutter-free sleep zone. The mattress you sleep on must support you adequately, like a memory foam mattress or a massaging mattress that helps in falling asleep faster and thereby relaxes your mind.”
Getting Enough Sleep
Nichani added, “Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and to achieve that, one should set a bedtime routine. Caffeine and alcohol can cause restlessness before sleep, so avoiding them at least a few hours closer to bedtime is best.”
Exercise As Therapy
Nichani noted, “Exercise can help improve sleep quality, which may reduce the likelihood of sleep talking. However, exercising too close to bedtime can make you restless and hinder your sleep routine.”
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided by an expert, however, we advise you to consult with your expert for a diagnosis tailored to your needs.