Once
you hear from a partner that they speak in their sleep, you are often worried
about the fact that you have discovered some deep, mysterious secret or
something is genuinely wrong with them. Isn't it terrifying to realize you've
said somethings in your sleep but you don't remember to do that?
Sleep
talking can come in a variety of ways ranging from mumbling or gibberish to
complete and coherent phrases. This tends to occur more commonly in men and
children in particular. If you do not know what contributed to your sleep
talking, there are many factors responsible for this which includes genetics,
sleep loss, alcohol intake, fatigue, stress, depression, etc.
What is sleep talking disorder?
Somniloquy, or better
known as sleep talking refers to talking in your sleep. You may or may not be
aware of what you speak during your sleep time. It depends on the sleep cycle
you are in. The more you drift towards the REM cycle, more unaware you become
of your speech. Even your language type can vary from your normal tongue
language when you are asleep.
Sometimes
people say things that don't make any sense. Many people even remember past
experiences and events. As per law and contemporary sleep research, sleep is
not a result of a conscious mind or a rational mind.
People
who suffer from sleep talking might also face other sleep-related issues like
night terrors, sleepwalking, disturbed REM's etc.
What do we talk about in our sleep?
People
talk in their sleep about all sorts of things. Some people swear while some say
a few random words or utter gibberish that is meaningless. Speech is generally
easier to understand while speaking during light sleep, while it may take the
form of groaning during REM or deeper sleep sessions. Sleep speaking
episodes typically last for a total of 30 seconds.
Is excessive sleep talking a bad sign?
Once
in awhile case is considered as normal among healthy sleepers. It is a regular
occurrence for most people that happens periodically and vanishes before you
know it. However, in some cases, your life's most important decisions can have
a lasting impact on you. That's why, if you start talking too often, most
experts recommend speaking to a doctor — sleep talking may also be a symptom of
a nightmare disorder crisis. It means you often have bad dreams that are
sufficiently important to wake you up at night. Terrifying dreams often come
with quick heartbeats, sweating in the night, and other
physical movements that
will let you wake up even more tired.
The
doctor will get a snapshot of what's happening while you rest overnight. These
analyses make sure that your habit of sleep is not a more profound symptom of
something that needs treatment.
How to make the sleep talkers relax?
It
can be frustrating for the individual sharing his bed with a sleep talker,
depending on the frequency and the volume of your sleep talking episode. Here
are some ways to make your bedroom a happier place for everyone involved:
- For
the sleep partner:
Get
a softer mattress. Usha mattresses are more comfortable than
others. You can reduce your risk of waking up if you're a light sleeper by
getting a mattress that's great at motion isolation, such as memory foam or latex mattress. This helps
to block your sleep partner's movements.
Invest
in such sleep products that reduce noise. Since years, sleep aids have been
used for sound. Earplugs can also be of assistance.
- For
the sleep talker:
Since
sleep talking can be caused by stress, work to reduce your life's pressure. Try
to incorporate stress-reducing activities such as light yoga, meditation, deep
breathing exercises, or relaxation techniques into your bedtime routine.
Avoid
alcohol and drugs. These malpractices interfere with your overall health and
sleep and have been linked to a major cause of sleep talking.
Practice
good quality of sleep and have plenty of food. Sleep talk has been connected to
sleep deprivation, so make sure that every night you get at least 8 hours of
sleep, go to bed, and wake up every day at the same time.
