The fear that Sleep talkers have of what they may be revealing while fast asleep is usually not taken seriously. In truth, most find it amusing to joke about those who chat with their eyes closed.
However, as a sleep talker, you certainly would want to know if you’re letting the cat out of the bag. To begin with, let’s help you understand the causes of your habit. Then we’ll explain what you should be concerned about and also present information that gives you more control over sleep talking. Hopefully, with perseverance, your habit will soon be a thing of the past.
What is Somniloquy?
Somniloquy is the scientifical term for talking in your sleep.
Did you know that researchers consider sleep talking a form of sleep disorder? Although not exactly an illness, it can be symptomatic of another underlying disorder.
When do you Chat in Your Sleep?
Conversing while you sleep can occur during either of the 4 stages of the resting cycles. Sleep talkers may moan, shout or whisper. Rest assured, these unintelligible sounds are hardly going to be exposing any of your secrets. When you’re speaking in REM sleep, it’s highly unlikely that anyone will understand you since your speech will be unintelligible.
Your nocturnal conversations can begin spontaneuos or your bed partner can intentionally spark off a chat. Some partners may do this as a form of light entertainment whilst others believe they will be able to access a few secrets. However, people who do attempt to question a sleeper are usually disappointed as you will see further down.
Sleep Talkers
- People Who Are Stressed
- Children
- Men
- Sleep Walkers
The habit of sleep talking is more common with specific genders, ages and personality types. Firstly, a stressed person is more likely to hold conversations while deep in dreamland. Additionally, people that are inclined to chat more while asleep are those that keep their emotions under lock and key during the day.
Interestingly, somniloquy is more frequent in men and children. In fact, it is children that make up the largest number of nocturnal chatterboxes. Most of them, however, outgrow the habit.
On the other hand, only 5% of adults habitually speak while getting their nightly shut-eye. Those that do talk in their sleep mostly did so as children. Furthermore, the habit of sleep talking is more common in people who sleep walk.
The Concerns of Night Time Chatterboxes
As mentioned, the worst fear of a sleep talker is blurting out their deepest and darkest secrets to anyone within hearing distance. Every person has something they’d prefer to keep mum about. Moreover, a sleep talker has zero control over what they speak about while asleep and fear they may embarrass themselves. We hope to calm your fears with some crucial information so that you cease worrying altogether!
Less to Fear Than you Thought
The subjects under discussion during these nocturnal chats have no meaning to you, in current time. This means that if a few of your words utter are understandable, they are mostly about the past. Besides, they often make very little sense. Usually, the worst happening is waking your spouse. This can become a problem if somniloquy is a regular habit of yours. In general though, leep talking is a temporary affliction in the main. Night time chatting is something that happens in patches during one’s life.
“Your somniloquies rarely make any sense to others.”
Scientists know that you are not responsible for anything you say while you slumber. Fortunately, even the law is on your side. Thanks to science, sleep talk is not permissible as evidence in court!
The Real Dangers of Somniloquoy
Sleep talking is not directly life-threatening nor is it bad for your health. That is unless you are keeping state secrets and would need to be forever silenced. All jokes aside, sleep talking will certainly be an issue for you if you suffer from a combination of sleep disturbances. These include somniloquy and night terrors, sleepwalking or sleep apnea. Spending some time at a sleep clinic will ensure you get an accurate diagnosis of all your sleep disorders.
Some people who start speaking during their slumbers are manifesting a symptom of deeper psychological imbalances. Stress or anxiety that they are not managing in a healthy manner translates into their nighttime chats becoming a way to release stress. In extreme cases of stress, you may even shout and kick during sleep. If that’s the case for you, properly dealing with your stress is essential in solving this problem. After all, stress is a major cause of disease. In rare cases, however, speaking while in a deep slumber can be part of a night-time seizure.
What Your Sleep Talk Does Reveal
Only speech that occurs during the first 2 stages of sleep makes verbal sense. Researchers at the European Sleep Research Laboratories, state that sentence structure during the first stages of rest is usually negative, questioning and to the point. Usually, there is an argument with someone. This person can be either real or imagined. Researchers also state that sentence structure is similar to normal conversation style.
Amusingly, the most entertaining form of sleep talk is when bed partners chat to each other while in slumber land. Even scientists say the subject matter is of no real importance. Naturally, these inconsequential chats only come to light during scientific studies.
Since your dreams are processing plants for excess stress and emotion, they are a way for your mind to let off steam. Generally, what your nocturnal conversations do reveal, is what you are dreaming about. To anyone else, understanding what you are referring to is almost impossible.
“Basically, your nocturnal chats reveal that you are undergoing more stress than usual.”
Prevention is Better
Having a check-up to ensure you have no underlying health issue is the first step. Avoiding daytime triggers that can contribute to a spate of nightly chatter is possible. You may not have control over what you prattle about once you start talking in your sleep. However, there are ways in which you can stop the habit over time. In this manner you automatically avoid inadvertently spilling any beans or embarrassing yourself in future. That is, if anyone can understand what you are saying in the first place.
3 Ways to Kick the Sleep Talking Habit
- Calm Your Digestion
- Soothe Stress
- Upgrade Your Sleep Hygiene
1. Deal With Digestion for Nighttime Discretion
A digestive system that is uneasy will trigger sleep time chatters. Therefore, do not consume alcohol or heavy meals just before bedtime. In addition, avoid oily or saucy meals and spicy foods. Try to abstain from overeating, particularly after 4pm. Of course, chemicals would also trigger episodes. So, research any medication you may be on as these can act as triggers. In addition, hydrate well throughout the day by drinking water and eating fresh fruits and salads. A hydrated body is more relaxed. Being calm is key to avoid talking in your sleep.
2. Soothe Stress and Sleep Silently
Managing your stress levels is imperative. Anxiety and depression can trigger a bout of nighttime chatter. Do not bottle things up during the day and work in a daily dose of 20 minutes’ quiet time. Fit quiet time in on the way to and from work if you’re pressed for time. You could listen to music you love or a motivational speaker you relate to. Alternatively, consider taking an evening stroll or weekend hike.
Additionally, make sure you work in a reading session before bedtime. After a relaxing bath, reading a soothing novel can further quieten your mind. Enough exercise, relaxation and sleep are critical elements to avoid talking in your sleep.
“In other words, live a healthy, balanced life and take care of your sleep hygiene to encourage silent sleep.”
3. Improve Your Sleep Hygiene
When making your way to bed, be sure to practise good sleep hygiene. This will likely lower the occurrences of sleep time talks. Sleep hygiene consists of everything that allows you to enjoy a restful sleep every night. It may be a setting regime and routine before bedtime. This includes slowing down before bedtime and relaxing with a soothing novel. Another important cornerstone of sleep hygiene consists of avoiding any blue light before bedtime.
In addition, physical comfort allows your body to be at ease, encouraging silent nights. That is why your choice of bed, bedding and pyjamas either support sleep hygiene or they hinder it.
Conclusion
Others rarely understand what you talk about in your sleep. However you can take back control. Ensuring you are healthy and that your lifestyle is balanced in every way is the best way to avoid nocturnal soliloquies. Aside from which, you will love your increasing peace of mind.
Enjoy Your Silent Nights. Sleep Tight!
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