What causes talking in one's sleep?
Apr 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, talking in one's sleep may be caused by long-term stress, consumption of stimulating foods before bedtime, neurasthenia, sleep disorders, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. It is also important to maintain good sleep habits, reduce mental stress, keep the bedroom environment quiet and comfortable, and avoid excessive excitement before bedtime.
Generally speaking, sleep talking refers to somniloquy, which may be caused by long-term stress, intake of stimulating foods before sleep, neurasthenia, sleep disorders, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Long-term stress
If someone continuously stays in a high-pressure environment and bears significant mental burdens, it may easily trigger neurasthenia or other mental health issues, which could subsequently lead to somniloquy. It is important to maintain a relaxed and pleasant mood and engage in appropriate physical activity and communication with family members.
2. Intake of stimulating foods before sleep
Consuming items such as strong tea, coffee, alcohol, or energy drinks before bedtime can easily stimulate the brain's nerves, keeping the nervous system in an overly excited state, thus causing somniloquy. It is recommended to avoid consuming stimulating foods before sleep.
3. Qi and blood deficiency
Qi and blood deficiency may be caused by poor dietary habits, insufficient sleep, long-term lack of exercise, and other factors. These factors can lead to poor blood circulation, potentially causing organs such as the heart and spleen to become oxygen-deprived, thus affecting sleep quality and resulting in somniloquy. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include medications such as Bazhen Granules, Renshen Yangrong Pills, or Bushen Yiqi Pills.
4. Neurasthenia
Neurasthenia may be triggered by excessive mental tension, frequent late nights, or an inability to adapt to a new living environment. These factors can keep the brain in a prolonged active state without sufficient rest, leading to neurasthenia, which may manifest as somniloquy. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may involve medications such as Oryzanol Tablets, Anshen Bunaoye (tonic for the brain), or Piracetam Tablets.
5. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction may be induced by irregular lifestyles, psychological trauma, or significant life stress. These factors may stimulate the autonomic nerves, causing dysfunction, which can lead to various symptoms including somniloquy. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may involve medications such as Metoprolol Tartrate Tablets, Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablets, or Compound Cerebral Protein Hydrolysate Tablets.
In daily life, it is important to maintain good sleep habits, reduce mental stress, and ensure a quiet and comfortable bedroom environment.
