A Little Less Conversation

Somniloquy, or sleep talking, as it is usually known, is a common and usually harmless condition whereby somebody talks or makes sounds during sleep without being aware of it. Around 50% of young children talk in their sleep, with most growing out of it by their teens. It is thought that 5% of adults still talk in their sleep and the reason for this is unknown. Sleep talking is just as common in both men and women and can be hereditary.

Although sleep talking is not usually a problem to the sleep talker (it can sometimes be a problem to those around who are having their sleep disturbed!), it can occasionally be a sign of other sleep disorders. If the sleep talking is particularly dramatic, emotional or rude it may be worth consulting a sleep specialist who can diagnose disorders such as sleep terrors, REM sleep behavior disorder, or sleep related eating disorder.

Anyone wanting to consult a sleep specialist would need to be able to tell the specialist how long they have been sleep talking so would need to get information from family and friends who have witnessed their sleep talking. The doctor would also need to know of any past or present drug or medication use. They would also want to know of any other sleep disorder, such as sleep walking, which is being experienced.

It may be helpful to keep a sleep diary, so that the doctor can fully understand your sleeping patterns. Initially no tests would be necessary, although the doctor may ask for a written test to analyze your mental and emotional health. Other tests may be used later on if any other sleep disorder is suspected.

Most people wouldn’t feel that sleep talking is a serious enough problem to warrant a trip to the sleep specialist. There are some things, however that you can do to help prevent sleep talking;

Reduce strain and nervousness
Go to bed and get up at the same time each day
Don’t eat a heavy meal too close to bed time
Get plenty of sleep – you are more likely to talk in your sleep when you are sleep deprived.

Sleep talking can provide some amusing stories for family and friends of the sleep talker, as Jennifer from this years Big Brother found out, after she was caught talking about one of the other contestants doing a streak around the Big Brother house! The 21 year old mother of one was informed over breakfast that she had said, ‘I’ll take my clothes off, what are you taking your clothes off for!’ luckily she didn’t reveal anything too embarrassing on national television!