Explaining Sleep Talking and What Causes It

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Talking or mumbling while you are asleep is a sign that you are sleep talking or somniloquy, a sleep disorder defined as talking without realizing it. Everyone has experienced delirium at least once in their life. Research has attempted to explain the symptoms and consequences of sleep talking, but much is still unknown about its causes and how to treat it, Sleep Foundation reported. 

What is sleep talking?

It is believed to be a type of parasomnia, but unlike other parasomnias that occur only during certain parts of the sleep cycle, this one occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep.

Talking is thought to be different from other vocalizations that occur during sleep such as breathing problems causing moaning or REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) which involves a person physically acting out a dream.

Experts are not sure about someone who is delirious but according to sleep behavior specialist Michelle Drerup, delirium is usually harmless, but sometimes it can be a sign of a sleep disorder or a more serious health condition.

The likely cause 

Sleep talking may also be associated with other parasomnias, such as sleepwalking and sleep terrors.

“Because most parasomnias are thought of as a mixed state of wakefulness and sleep. Delirium may occur when sleep patterns are disrupted," Drerup said. Citing the Cleveland Clinic, any factor that interferes with sleep, such as stress or alcohol can be a cause of delirious sleep.

Sleep talking is also susceptible to mental health conditions, which are most common in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, overall most cases of sleep talking are not thought to be related to mental problems.

KAKAK INDRA PURNAMA

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