Parasomnias
Sleep Talking
Talking, mumbling or laughing during sleep without being aware of it. It is very common and usually harmless.
Overview
Sleep talking, or somniloquy, is speaking during sleep, ranging from mumbling and single words to full conversations, laughing or shouting. The person is not aware of it and usually does not remember it.
It can occur in any sleep stage and is very common, especially in children. On its own, sleep talking is harmless and rarely needs treatment.
Sleep talking sometimes appears alongside other conditions such as sleepwalking, sleep terrors, REM sleep behavior disorder or sleep apnea, so other symptoms, such as violent movements or snoring with pauses, are worth mentioning to a clinician.
Common symptoms
- Talking, mumbling or whispering in sleep
- Laughing, crying or shouting during sleep
- No memory of talking
- A bed partner reporting the behaviour
- Speech that is often unclear or nonsensical
Causes and risk factors
- Family history
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress
- Fever or illness
- Alcohol
- Other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, sleep terrors, RBD or sleep apnea
How it is diagnosed
Sleep talking is identified from a bed partner's or family member's report and needs no testing on its own. A sleep study may be recommended if it occurs with violent movements, frequent awakenings, snoring or breathing pauses.
Treatment options
No treatment needed
Isolated sleep talking is harmless.
Improving sleep
Getting enough regular sleep and managing stress may reduce it.
Treating associated disorders
Addressing sleep apnea, RBD or other parasomnias if present.
For bed partners
Earplugs or white noise can help.
What you can do yourself
- Keep a regular sleep schedule
- Limit alcohol, especially before bed
- Manage stress with a wind-down routine
- Ask a partner to note any other unusual behaviour
When to see a doctor
- Sleep talking comes with shouting and violent movements
- It begins suddenly in older adulthood
- You also snore, gasp or feel very sleepy in the day
- It occurs with sleepwalking or night terrors that cause injury
Frequently asked questions
Do people reveal secrets when sleep talking?
Sleep talk is usually fragmentary and not a reliable reflection of real thoughts or events. It should not be taken as a confession.
Is sleep talking a sign of a sleep disorder?
Usually not on its own. It can accompany other conditions, so mention it if there is also violent movement, snoring with pauses or daytime sleepiness.
Can I stop talking in my sleep?
Getting enough sleep, reducing stress and avoiding alcohol may help. There is no specific treatment for isolated sleep talking.
Is sleep talking common in children?
Yes. It is very common in children and often lessens with age.
Sources
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice. Read our medical disclaimer.