Disorder 10: Sleep Talking
Sleep talking, or somniloquy, is a common parasomnia characterized by talking during sleep. The content of sleep talking can range from simple mumbling to full, coherent sentences and can occur during any stage of sleep. While sleep talking is typically harmless and does not usually disrupt the individual’s sleep, it can be disruptive to bed partners or roommates.
It is believed to be related to the brain’s inability to fully suppress motor functions during sleep. Factors that may contribute to sleep talking include stress, sleep deprivation, alcohol consumption, and certain medications. Sleep talking can also be hereditary and is more common among individuals with a family history of the disorder.
There is no specific treatment for sleep talking, as it is typically harmless and does not require medical intervention. However, practicing good sleep hygiene, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and addressing underlying stressors can help reduce the likelihood of sleep talking episodes. In cases where sleep talking is disruptive to others, using white noise machines or earplugs can help mitigate the disturbance. (10)
