Why do we talk in our sleep?
Does your partner regularly tell you over breakfast what you supposedly said in your sleep? Many of those who talk in their sleep find it hard to believe their nocturnal monologues, because they are completely unaware of them. But in fact, far more people are affected by so-called somniloquy than you think. Find out why we talk in our sleep and whether you can do anything about it.
June 19, 2024 • 5 min reading time
Talking in your sleep: Understand the causes and consequences.
Talking in your sleep is also known as somniloquy and is a form of parasomnia – a disorder that involves unusual nocturnal behaviour.
Although this initially sounds like a serious illness, we can reassure you that even perfectly healthy people talk in their sleep every now and then. As long as somniloquy isn’t a symptom of another disease, it is therefore more of an unusual behaviour than a serious disorder requiring treatment.
Several major studies have shown that over 60% of adults have talked in their sleep at some point or continue to do so on a regular basis! It is even more common for children to talk in their sleep.
Experts believe that talking in our sleep means that we are processing our day. We often talk just before or during our nocturnal dream phase – the REM stage. Usually, those sharing our bed or room only hear indistinct murmuring. Occasionally, those affected open their eyes, sit up, talk briefly and then calmly lie down again.
Shouting, laughing heartily and mentioning names or swearing are also not uncommon. It is also particularly common for sleep researchers to observe insults and expletives. The reason for this is that we have a lower inhibition threshold when we are asleep than when we are awake.
Those affected can never remember or even control their nocturnal ramblings. So others should avoid reading too much into what is being said, and certainly shouldn't take offence. It is highly unlikely that names will be mentioned or secrets will be shared – if this does happen, they are more likely to be reminiscing or processing their day.
But why do we talk in our sleep? In healthy people, somniloquy usually occurs completely at random – so the exact causes are not yet known. Talking in our sleep may be related, for example, to a shift in our day-night rhythm or to sleeping habits that could do with some improvement. Tension and stress can also increase nocturnal monologues, as can the consumption of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, medication and drugs.
Although it is usually harmless, somniloquy can also be accompanied by other sleep disorders or mental issues. For example, it often occurs in combination with sleepwalking, sleep apnoea or as an accompanying symptom of depression, trauma and neurological disorders.
If you suspect that you are talking in your sleep due to other ailments, we recommend that you consult an expert. Sleep laboratories specialise in typical sleep disorders and can identify individual causes.
You may now be wondering what you can do about somniloquy. If this behavioural disorder is a symptom of another disease, it will usually disappear when the disease is treated – so in certain cases psychotherapeutic treatment or even a visit to an ENT specialist (such as with sleep apnoea) may be the way forward.
If you talk in your sleep without any other accompanying symptoms, the cause is usually associated with sleep itself. Improved sleeping habits and the ideal temperature for sleep are often enough to alleviate a variety of sleep disorders.
In order to avoid talking in your sleep, you should try to maintain a regular day-night rhythm – going to bed and getting up at similar times. Other relaxing evening routines are also beneficial for a calmer and more restful night’s sleep.
Tidy surroundings and dimmed lighting will ensure that your body produces more of the sleep hormone melatonin in the evening. Instead of bright LED lights, soft drinks and mobile phones, we recommend candlelight, a cup of soothing herbal tea and a good book as evening entertainment. Relaxation exercises such as yoga or meditation will also help you forget the stress of everyday life and make it easier to fall asleep.
To make it easier not only to fall asleep, but also to stay asleep and avoid talking in your sleep, you also need the right bedroom climate: temperatures of between 16 and 19°C are ideal for sleeping. The air should not be too dry, so that your nose remains clear. Air your bedroom thoroughly before going to bed to ensure you have enough oxygen during the night.
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