What Causes Us to Sleep Talk and How to Control It

Talking in your sleep without being aware of it is pretty common. Studies have found that up to 66% of people have experienced episodes of sleep talking at some point in their lives. And although sleep talking is usually harmless and doesn’t require any medical treatment, it can disturb your partner and keep them from getting much-needed sleep.

We at Bright Side have done some research to find out what makes us talk while getting some ZZZs and what we can do about it.

What causes us to sleep talk

1. Genetics

Experts can’t name the exact reason why people talk in their sleep. Medical studies have shown that it can run in families. Studies in Finland and Japan have found that twins often experience sleep talking that can co-occur with sleepwalking and nightmares. Some researchers suggest that sleep-talking parents are more likely to have children who sleep talk.

2. Sleep deprivation

Anyone can mumble in their sleep but some factors, especially sleep deprivation, can lead to sleep talking. Medical experts believe that most people sleep talk when they’re stressed out or sleep-deprived. When we don’t get enough rest, it can influence our brain and affect the quality of our sleep.

3. Sleep disorders

Sleep talking itself is a sleep disorder known as somniloquy. It can happen to anyone at any time, but people with other sleep disorders have an increased risk of disturbing their bedmates with some chatter. Doctors believe that there’s a link between somniloquy, sleepwalking, and nightmares.

4. Certain medications

There are many medications that can disrupt sleep as a side effect. Medications that can lead to some sleep behaviors, including sleep talking, usually affect muscle control during sleep. When our muscle tone is increased, it may lead to kicking, punching, jumping out of bed, and talking. Some commonly used medications, like certain antidepressants, can make you chatter in your sleep.

How to control sleep talking

There’s no known way to reduce sleep talking but changing some habits may help us get it under control. Some healthy sleep tips include:

• avoiding heavy meals close to bedtime
• setting up a cozy bed with a quality mattress and pillows
• avoiding caffeine late in the afternoon and evening
• keeping a consistent sleep schedule every day

Have you or your partner ever talked in your sleep? What was the funniest thing you heard someone say in their sleep?