Sleep Talking in Kids – Is it Common and Top Tips to Deal With

Talking, crying, and laughing out in sleep is a behavior that is common in kids aged between 2 and 12 years. There are several causes behind this disorder. Generally, when a kid is sound asleep, this is the phase when they talk in their sleep the most.

But, it is okay for kids as sleep talking generally lasts 1-2 months and as the child grows, these episodes reduce and may take place every few months. Here, we will discuss various tips to deal with sleep talking in kids.

Why do Kids Talk in Their Sleep?

Sleep talking in kids is a common situation many parents face. But what causes their kids to talk in their sleep? Here are some reasons-

• If a kid is not taking care of the sleep rhythm and going to bed late, it might be a common cause for sleep talking
• It might also be genetics. Sleep talking has been there for generations and is passed on to the kid
• Mental health issues like stress due to family problems or fights between friends, school exams, fear of being scolded by the teacher, etc., are also some causes
• Sometimes, if your child has a cold or fever, sleep talking can occur

Tips to Manage Sleep Talking in Kids

While a child talks in his sleep due to various reasons discussed above, here are a few tips on how to deal with this disorder-

Don’t Disturb The Sleep Cycle

A sleeping rhythm is crucial for a child. Even if they wake up suddenly, slowly, and comfortably, calm your kid to sleep. Make sure that your kid’s sleeping cycle is not disturbed.

Avoid Sugar And Spicy Food at Night

Foods that cause indigestion or disturb the stomach must be avoided at night. Don’t give your child spicy foods, carbonated drinks with too much sugar, or fatty food items that disturb their sleep cycle and make them feel uncomfortable during sleep.

Maintain a Proper And Healthy Sleep Cycle

To ensure a good sleep cycle, it is essential to make sure your child gets proper hours of sleep. Usually, 8-10 hours of sleep is vital for a kid. This will help him to get quality sleep.

Ensure a Comfortable Bed

A bed with good cushioning, soft pillows, and bedsheets will foster a sound sleep. Ensure that the room has proper air spaces for ventilation. Also, take care that the room gets adequate sunlight during the day.

Arrange For Regular Exercise

Regular exercise is one of the keys to get a good sleep. It will make the child tired and help to get a sound sleep. This will help to reduce sleep talking episodes.

Support Them When They Worry

Sleep talking may occur when your child is stressed for various reasons, maybe in school or with friends. Openly communicate with them and try to know what situations or incidents are affecting their life negatively.

When to See a Doctor?

Sleep talking is a condition where one doesn’t need to worry much. But if your kid is talking loudly during sleep or is uncomfortable, you must visit a doctor or a sleep expert. It may be due to various reasons like stress, tension, etc.

Sleep talking is very common in kids. Ensure that you keep a regular sleep schedule of about 8-10 hours for your child. Proper air ventilation, dark sleep space at night, and enough sunlight in the morning are great ways to ensure sound sleep. But, when this disorder rises to an extreme level, it is better to see a sleep expert if you feel that sleep talking in your child is noticed more often and frequently.

FAQ’s

1. Why Does My Child Talk in Sleep?

Sleep talking is when a child talks or cries during his sleep pattern. It is common in children between the age group of 2-12 years. A child talks due to a disturbed sleep cycle, health issues, lack of sleep, etc.

2. Is it Normal for my Child to Talk in Their Sleep?

Yes, sleep talking is completely normal in kids. If your child is talking in their sleep, it doesn’t mean they have any disorder. Usually kids sleep talk when they are not in deep sleep and some part of their brain is still awake. It usually goes off on its own as the kid grows up.

3. Should we Wake up The Child if They Are Sleep Talking?

No. You should not wake up the kid if they are talking in their sleep. As they may stop talking and go back to sleep. If you wake them up, you will end up disturbing their sleep. If the sleep talking worries you, then better talk to a doctor. But in most cases it’s harmless and usually subsides as child grows.