Ask the doctors: sleep talking

Q: How can I stop talking in my sleep?

A: Sleep talking, or somniloquy, is a harmless, usually short-lived phenomenon that can happen to anyone, although it is more common in children. It can be triggered by stress, mood changes, alcohol, certain medications or fever. In rarer instances, it may be part of a sleep disorder such as sleep walking or sleep terrors. It usually resolves on its own, when the trigger factor (such as stress) goes away. No special treatment is needed, but you should try to reduce stress and alcohol and, if necessary, talk to your doctor about it if it persists.

Dr Adrian Wang is a consultant psychiatrist at the Dr Adrian Wang Psychiatric and Counselling Care, Gleneagles Medical Centre in Singapore