Sleep talking, also known as somniloquy, is a type of parasomnia, which is an abnormal behavior that takes place during sleep. It is a common occurrence and is not usually considered a medical problem. Sleep talking can occur during any stage of sleep, including rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and non-REM sleep. The main symptom of sleep talking is speaking during sleep without being aware of it happening. Sleep talkers normally speak for no more than 30 seconds per episode, but some people sleep talk many times during a night.

The exact cause of sleep talking is not yet fully understood, but there are several factors that may contribute to it, including:

• Genetics: There is some evidence to support a genetic component to the condition.
• Other sleep disorders: Sleep talking can occur with other sleep disorders, such as sleepwalking, night terrors, and REM sleep behavior disorder.
• Certain medications: Some medications can cause sleep talking as a side effect.
• Emotional stress: Emotional stress can trigger sleep talking.
• Fever: Sleep talking can occur during feverish sleep.
• Mental health disorders: Sleep talking is predominantly seen in individuals with mental health issues or conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.aspx).
• Substance abuse: Alcohol and drug use can cause sleep talking.

Sleep talking is usually harmless and does not require medical attention. However, in some cases, it might be a sign of a more serious sleep disorder or health condition. If sleep talking is causing problems, such as disrupting sleep or causing embarrassment, seeing a sleep disorder expert may help. They can offer ways to help manage sleep talking.