WHY DO SOME PEOPLE TALK IN THEIR SLEEP
Sleep talking, formally known as somniloquy, is defined as the production of unconscious linguistic vocalizations during sleep. It differs from other sleep-related sounds such as mumbling, laughing, groaning, or whistling. Sleep talking is classified as a type of parasomnia - a group of abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep. Sleep talking, in contrast to other parasomnias, can occur during both REM and non-REM sleep.
What Causes People to Talk While They Sleep?
Sleep is an intricate process that plays a vital role in our overall well being. Our brain cycles through four different sleep stages, and the time and order of these phases throughout the night affects how effectively a person functions during the day and how rested they may feel when they wake up.
Sleep talking happens when the brain is partially awake during sleep. It can be triggered by sleep disruptions, such as jet lag, sleep deprivation, sleep apnea, stress, or alcohol use.
Sleep talking is mainly seen in individuals with mental illness or conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. It can also be associated with nightmares, especially in children. It is also found to co-occur with sleepwalking and teeth grinding. Overall, though, most cases of sleep talking are not thought to be connected to mental illness.
Can You Stop Talking in Your Sleep?
Since sleep talking is often linked to sleep disruptions, enhacing quality of sleep can help reduce it. Better sleep habits may lead to fewer episodes over time.
To enhance the quality of your sleep:
? Keep a consistent sleep routine.
? Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night.
? Avoid screens 30 - 60 minutes before bed.
? Manage stress effectively.
? Limit your use of coffee and alcohol.
? Engage in regular exercise.
By focusing on these behaviors, one can encourage sound sleep and possibly alleviate sleep talking.
While occasional sleep talking is harmless, it may be a sign of a more serious problem if occurrence and intensity of it increases, or if it co-occurs with other symptoms like anxiety, violent acts, or night terrors. Seeking advice from a psychologist may be helpful if sleep talking interferes with your day-to-day activities, causes distress, or coexists with mental health issues like PTSD, depression, or extreme anxiety. To enhance sleep quality and general well-being, a professional can offer therapeutic techniques, stress management, and assistance in identifying possible triggers. It's crucial to get help if sleep talking causes severe sleep disturbances or is connected to mental discomfort.
Written By- Ms. Farah Iqbal Koonari - Consultant psychologist (Mindmaris Counsellors India Pvt)
