Minneapolis, Minnesota – Sleep talking is a common phenomenon that affects both children and adults, according to experts. About half of children will talk in their sleep, usually growing out of it as they get older, while only around 5% of adults engage in nighttime chatter. However, approximately 60% to 65% of adults will experience at least one episode of nighttime speech during their lifetime, as reported by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
Sleep soliloquies can occur at any stage of sleep, not just during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep when dreams typically occur. These one-sided conversations can range from mumbled whispers and groans to complete nonsense words or even inappropriate language. While initially seen as harmless, constant sleep talking can disrupt a bed partner’s rest and lead them to seek ways to safeguard their own sleep, emphasized Dr. Carlos Schenck, a sleep disorder specialist.
Sleep talking, also known as somniloquy, can be linked to various mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Medications used to treat depression, high blood pressure, seizures, asthma, and other sleep disorders can also trigger sleep talking episodes. In some cases, sleep talking can be an early indicator of neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, particularly if it begins suddenly in individuals over the age of 50.
Obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, can also prompt nighttime speech. Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may cause partial awakenings that lead to sleep talking episodes. Additionally, environmental factors like stress, alcohol consumption, lack of sleep, and changes in sleeping routines can act as triggers for sleep talking.
Managing sleep talking involves strategies like using white noise generators or earplugs to minimize disturbances for bed partners. Identifying and addressing triggers for sleep talking, such as stress or alcohol consumption, is crucial. Developing good sleep hygiene habits, including maintaining a regular sleep schedule and eliminating sources of light in the bedroom, can also aid in reducing sleep talking episodes.
Addressing sleep talking is essential for improving the quality of sleep for both individuals and their bed partners. By taking proactive steps to identify triggers and implement solutions, individuals can mitigate the impact of sleep talking on their overall sleep health. Remember, seeking medical advice is always recommended for severe cases of sleep talking that require additional intervention or treatment.