• Skip to content
  • Skip to navigation
Raising Children Network
  • Pregnancy
  • Newborns
  • Babies
  • Toddlers
  • Preschoolers
  • School age
  • Pre-teens
  • Teens
  • Grown-ups
  • Autism
  • Disability

About sleeptalking

Sleeptalking is when children talk while they’re asleep.

For example, they might sound like they’re awake but be talking about events that aren’t happening, or talking to someone who’s not in the room. Children might also mumble, shout, sing or laugh in their sleep.

Children usually don’t remember sleeptalking because they’re asleep when they do it. This means that even if you can get your child into a sleep conversation, your child probably won’t remember it in the morning.

What to do about sleeptalking

Children might talk in their sleep more regularly if they’re excited or worried about something, like a concert, a holiday or a test. Talking with your child about the event in a calm and supportive way while your child is awake might help reduce sleeptalking.

It’s up to you whether you tell your child about the sleeptalking. Keep in mind that children can sometimes start to worry about falling asleep.

Sleeptalking doesn’t harm your child. But it can be annoying for anyone who shares a room with your child. If it keeps other children awake, you might have to change the sleeping arrangements.

Talking during sleep doesn’t necessarily mean that your child is worried or has a mental health problem. But if you’re concerned about your child, talk to a professional like your GP.

Supported By

  • Department of Social Services

Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

Member Organisations

  • Parenting Research Centre
  • The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne
  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

Follow us on social media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
Join 60,000 subscribers who receive free parenting news. Sign up now
Aboriginal flag (c) WAM Clothing
Torres Strait Islands flag
At raisingchildren.net.au we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, gather and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
  • Privacy statement
  • Terms of use

© 2006-2022 Raising Children Network (Australia) Limited. All rights reserved.

Warning: This website and the information it contains is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation (HON) and complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information.