Sleep Talking: How to Survive Sharing a Bed with a Sleep Talker

 

Sleep Talking: How to Survive Sharing a Bed with a Sleep Talker

Sleep talking, or somniloquy, is a common sleep issue that affects many people. While it can be harmless, it can also disrupt the sleep of bed partners. About 50% of children talk in their sleep, but typically outgrow it, while 5% of adults continue to talk in their sleep. However, 60-65% of adults will experience at least one episode of nighttime speech during their lifetime.

Sleep talking can occur at any stage of sleep and can include mumbled whispers, groans, nonsense words, vulgar language, and even yelling. While it may seem amusing at first, it can become a problem for bed partners who need quality sleep.

Dr. Carlos Schenck, a sleep disorder specialist, advises bed partners to take steps to protect their sleep. However, it's essential to rule out underlying issues that may be causing the sleep talking, such as mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, or medications that can trigger sleep talking.

Sleep talking can also be a sign of underlying sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea or acid reflux. If the sleep talking is sudden, loud, and frequent, especially after the age of 50, it may be a sign of a neurodegenerative disorder like Parkinson's.

To handle sleep talking, Dr. Jennifer Mundt recommends using a white noise generator or loud fan to mask the sound. Earplugs or comfortable noise-canceling headphones can also help. Going to sleep before the sleep talker and discovering triggers like stress, alcohol, or sleeping in a new environment can also help.

It's essential for the sleep talker to take ownership of their disorder and find solutions to minimize disturbing their partner's sleep. This includes avoiding triggers like alcohol and finding ways to sleep on their side instead of their back.

Sleep talking is a parasomnia, a disorder of arousal that can run in families. While there's no way to predict who will develop a parasomnia, identifying triggers and practicing good sleep hygiene can help. Cognitive behavior therapy can also be effective in reducing stress triggers and negative thoughts about sleep.

In conclusion, sleep talking can be a challenge for bed partners, but there are ways to manage it. By ruling out underlying issues, using noise-masking techniques, discovering triggers, and practicing good sleep hygiene, bed partners can protect their sleep and improve their overall well-being.