Sleep talking is one of the interesting but troublous states in which the individual is unaware of his/her condition. Episodes and patterns of talking occur during different stages. During the initial few hours of sleep, the individual talks clearly that a person close to him can easily understand the wording. In deep sleep, the listener cannot understand the words. Talking is one of the most interesting sleep disorders which most of the listeners enjoy. Asleep talker becomes the focus of roommate’s discussions and a source of humor for them. On the other side, the condition is embarrassing for the individual himself. The sufferer does not know what happens with him/her.
To some extent, the roommate or partner feels uncomfortable because of loud sounds. It also causes disturbance for them as well. The frequent talking awakes the partner which causes the development of different types of sleep disorders to the partner. In some cases, the interruption in the sufferer has been noticed. In the first or second stage, when the individual is in light sleep, he/she can hear the sound himself. This sound also causes disturbance of the sufferer as well.
Types of sleep talking
There is no specific type of sleep talking however it can be categorized as per severity criteria. The severity of talking during sleep also depends upon the cause.
1. Mild condition
The episodes occurring with more than a week interval are categorized as mild. The condition is negligible and usually cannot be included in the sleep orders.
2. Moderate condition
The episodes occurring less than week duration are categorized as moderate. This condition creates an irritating environment for roommates and partners. The moderate condition must be considered as a sleep disorder and a physician must be consulted.
3. Sever condition
Episodes occurring every night are considered as sever. Even the repeated episodes over the night are more critical and irritating for the roommates or life partner. The immediate consultation of a physician is strongly recommended.
Probable causes of sleep talking
Usually, the causes of talking during sleep are unknown. Still, no clinical or pathological change specifically related to this problem has been observed. In some cases, the family history of talking has been noticed. It happens with the families during deep sleep. Interesting thing is that everyone sleeping in a single room does not know about the scene. However, a guest or stranger spending a night with the sleep talking family can notice this horrible situation. In most of the cases, the reason is unknown; however, the people with the following health issues have been noticed with this kind of sleep disorders.
- Stress is one of the reasons for developing the symptoms. Especially, a person with prolonged stress is more prone to develop such sleep disorders. The factors causing frustration and apprehension lead to stress in the people which may further cause talking during sleep.
- The patients suffering from depression and anxiety have been noted with sleep talking problems. Prolonged sleeplessness is one of the symptoms of depression/anxiety which may develop talking disorders as well. However, depression is not the specific cause of this problem.
- Some medical conditions like high-grade fever leads to drowsiness which may also cause uncontrolled or involuntary talking problem. However, this condition is critical and must be treated immediately. The decrease in body temperature can be helpful.
- Different types of sleep disorders also lead to night talking in the patients. Nightmares, sleep apnea, rapid eye movement (REM sleep behavior disorders) can cause talking during sleep.
- Dependence on sedatives is also a major cause of talking during sleep. The use of alcohol also either causes or aggravates the condition. The majority of drug dependents and alcohol users have been noticed with this disorder.
Who is more susceptible to developing sleep
talking disorders?
There is no specific category or age group involved in the sleep disorders of talking. However, children are more prone to develop this problem. In addition to the above, overwork is also a reason for talking. After day hard work, a fatigued person is more likely to develop the symptoms.
Treatment of sleep talking
Talking during sleep is not itself a disease. It may be resulting from other disorders or illnesses. Treating the cause can decrease the onset. Along with the treatment of the cause, the change in sleeping habits and posture is also helpful. Usually, the people sleeping in a supine position have been noticed with talking or snoring. Sleeping on the lateral position can reduce the severity of such sleep disorders.
In a medical condition like fever, immediate consultation is recommended. In case of delay, cold sponging, use of anti paretic medicines should be given.
