Somniloquy (talking In Sleep): Why Does It Happen?

Why do we talk in dreams? What is the cause behind somniloquy and what can it indicate? Discover the reality behind one of the most common parasomnias.

Why does somniloquy happen?

Talking in your dreams or talking in your sleep, also known as somniloquy, This is a parasomnia that causes people to talk during the night or during sleep without being aware of it. This type of condition can cause some inconvenience in the person to whom it occurs since sometimes these words can imply dialogues or monologues. But why does somniloquy occur?

What is somniloquy?

Parasomnias, like somniloquy, are sleep disorders in which the person experiences unusual behaviors during sleep. Sleep talking is a type of parasomniathat is, an abnormal behavior that happens during the different phases of sleep. Unlike most common parasomnias, which occur during specific parts of the sleep cycle, somniloquy can occur in either REM or non-REM sleep.

In fact, it is common for people to experience at least one episode to speak in dreams during his life. So much so that somniloquy, especially in children, is one of the most common parasomnias that can occur during sleep.

Why do we talk in our sleep?

Normally the sleeping person who speaks in dreams He often has incomprehensible conversations. Research on somniloquy shows that more than half of the people who experienced it were mumbling.

However, in other cases the sleeping person You can have common conversations about our daily lives. For example, some may carry on a kind of conversation as if they were talking to another person.

Another interesting fact that the research revealed is that many of the expressions used during these somniloquies tended to be negative, which could indicate that sleep talk may reflect a conflict-driven dialogue taking place in the brain during sleep. In most cases, people who usually talk while sleeping tend to have a short conversation.

How common is it to talk while you sleep?

The investigations around somniloquy have shown that 66% of people can experience episodes of talking in their dreams. Therefore, it is one of the most common parasomnias. The most common thing is that somniloquy is infantile, since there is evidence that this parasomnia affects adults less.

Despite this, it must be taken into account that sleep talk It may occur more times than studies reveal, as many people may not realize they are having this parasomnia. Somniloquy can coexist with disorders such as sleepwalking, where the person carries out activities while sleeping.

Is it dangerous to talk in your dreams or while asleep?

In most cases, sleep talking is a harmless parasomnia. Furthermore, this type of behavior does not affect the quality of sleep of those who suffer from it. However, there are some situations related to somniloquy which can cause some problems in people who suffer from it:

  • Interrupt the sleep of your partner or partner: If a person starts to talk in dreams This can very recurrently cause insomnia problems for those who share a room with these people.
  • Awkward conversations: Sometimes people who start talk while sleeping They may have conversations with embarrassing content that they do not want to reveal to others.
  • It may be related to other parasomnias: On some occasions somniloquy It may be related to other parasomnias that do involve sleeping difficulties, such as sleepwalking or nightmares.

Why do we talk in our sleep?

What causes sleep talking?

Experts in parasomnias have not found a common cause for why it happens somniloquy Despite this, there are some causes that are repeated in most cases:

  • Genetic component: Some studies have shown that speak sleepily It may have a genetic component.
  • Mental health problems: According to research, talk in dreams It tends to occur more frequently in those people who suffer from a mental health problem. In particular, those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are thought to be more prone to this parasomnia. In addition, it can also occur in cases of alcoholism, excess stress or disorders such as depression.
  • Sleep disorders: People who suffer from sleep disorders are also more likely to talk while sleeping.

How to stop talking in your dreams?

In most cases, this parasomnia usually disappears over time. Despite this, one of the methods to limit episodes of somniloquy would consist of having better sleep hygiene to enjoy a deeper sleep. Thus, the following is recommended:

  • Maintain a consistent sleep schedule every day, even on weekends.
  • Avoid caffeine or other stimulants in the late afternoon and evening.
  • Have time to rest and relax before going to sleep
  • Exercise regularly
  • Create a distraction-free sleeping space that has limited light or noise pollution.
  • Establish a cozy sleeping surface with a quality mattress, pillows, and bedding to help you feel comfortable and supported.
  • Treat with the psychologist those problems that cause us anxiety or stress

In the event that in addition to talk in dreams If you suffer from other parasomnias that prevent you from resting properly, it is important to treat them with a mental health professional. The reason for this is that not having a good sleep can end up leading to mental health disorders that affect many aspects of your daily life.


  • Emily Psychology

    I’m Emily Williams Jones, a psychologist specializing in mental health with a focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. With a Ph.D. in psychology, my career has spanned research, clinical practice and private counseling. I’m dedicated to helping individuals overcome anxiety, depression and trauma by offering a personalized, evidence-based approach that combines the latest research with compassionate care.