Definition

• Sleep talking is a partial wake-up in which children talk in their sleep
• They act confused and can’t be fully awakened, but are usually calm
• Occur in 10 to 30% of normal children. Sleep talking is so common and harmless looking that most parents don’t ask about it.
• Peak age is 2 to 12 years
• Cause: Sleep talking runs in families
• Triggers: Occur more frequently if the child has a sleep debt
• Also called somniloquy

Health Information

Symptoms

• While sleep talking, the ability to understand the child’s speech varies.
• Some talk clearly, but the words don’t make sense. Others make speech sounds that are mumbled. Rarely does the child say something that has a clear meaning.
• Sleep speech also sounds different than normal wakeful speech. Most sleep talkers talk without any emotion. The child is usually not agitated.
• Sleep talk goes on for 1 to 5 minutes. It then stops of its own accord with the child falling back into deep sleep.
• They don’t realize you are there, even though their eyes are wide open and staring.
• Episodes usually start 1 to 3 hours after falling asleep.
• In the morning, your child can’t remember what happened.
• Sleep talking can also occur during naps.

Care Advice

1. Don’t Worry About the Sleep Talking:
   • Sleep talking is normal in many children. It runs in families.
   • Your child will usually only talk for 1 to 5 minutes.
   • It usually doesn’t mean anything important is happening.
2. Don’t Try to Wake Up Your Child:
   • Sleep talkers cannot easily be fully awakened, no matter what you do
   • There is no way to stop the sleep talking episode.
   • Shaking or shouting at your child will just cause your child to become upset.
3. Prepare Babysitters for Possible Sleep Talking:
   • Explain to people who care for your child that sleep talking is normal for him or her.
   • Important for sleepovers. Reason: Sleep talking is more common in a strange environment.
   • Understanding this will prevent them from over-reacting.
4. Help Roommates Deal with the Sleep Talking:
   • If sleep talking is disruptive to others, earplugs may help.
5. What to Expect:
   • Children will usually do less sleep talking when they reach adolescence.
   • But if adults in your family talk in their sleep, your child will probably do the same.

Call Your Doctor If

• Your child has frequent snoring
• You have other questions or concerns

Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

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