What causes talking in one's sleep?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
In general, talking during sleep may be caused by factors such as stress and anxiety, lifestyle habits, neurasthenia, depression, or obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. Symptomatic management may involve general treatments, medication, and other approaches. In daily life, it is recommended to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, ensure sufficient sleep duration, and keep a regular作息 (sleep-wake schedule), which can help reduce related symptoms.
Generally speaking, talking in one's sleep may be caused by factors such as stress and anxiety, lifestyle habits, neurasthenia, depression, or obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome. Symptomatic management through general treatment or medication may be needed. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Stress and Anxiety
When an individual is under high pressure, the brain's stress response system becomes activated. Even during sleep, this state of tension may manifest through dreams and verbal expressions, leading to somniloquy (talking in sleep). It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as insomnia, frequent dreaming, and easy awakening. It is recommended to relieve stress and anxiety through counseling, meditation, yoga, and other methods.
2. Lifestyle Habits
Poor lifestyle habits, such as chronic late-night activities, insufficient sleep, irregular eating habits, and excessive use of electronic devices like mobile phones and computers before bedtime, may affect sleep quality and consequently lead to talking in one's sleep. It is advisable to maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including regular sleep-wake schedules, balanced nutrition, and appropriate physical activity.
3. Neurasthenia
Long-term stress and excessive thinking can easily lead to neurasthenia. At this time, sleep quality is affected, manifesting as easy awakening, difficulty falling asleep, and sometimes talking in one's sleep. It may also be accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, memory decline, and difficulty concentrating. It is recommended to take medications such as granisetron tablets or vitamin B1 tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
4. Depression
Depression may be caused by genetic factors or stressful events, leading to persistent low mood, pessimism, and depressive feelings. As the condition worsens, thoughts of self-blame or guilt may appear, and talking in one's sleep at night may also occur. It is recommended to take medications such as maprotiline hydrochloride tablets, clomipramine hydrochloride tablets, or amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets under medical supervision.
5. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome is a common sleep disorder. Patients may experience episodes of breathing cessation and reduced breathing during sleep, leading to cerebral hypoxia and frequent awakenings, which may also result in talking during sleep. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as alprazolam tablets, estazolam tablets, or methylprednisolone capsules to alleviate symptoms.
In daily life, it is recommended to maintain good lifestyle habits, ensure adequate sleep duration, and maintain a regular作息 schedule to help reduce related symptoms.
References
[1] Liu Shixia.首选 CPAP Therapy for Moderate to Severe Snoring [N]. Health Times, February 21, 2025 (007). DOI:10.28434/n.cnki.njksb.2025.000023.
[2] Shen Li, Tian Jiaqi. The Mystery of Somniloquy [J]. KAIJUANYOUDI - Seeking Medical Advice, 2024(06): 32.
