What is sleeptalking?

Sleeptalking is when people talk while they’re asleep.

If your child talks in their sleep, they might sound like they’re awake, but they’re talking about events that aren’t happening or talking to someone who’s not in the room. They might also mumble, shout, sing or laugh in their sleep.

Your child probably won’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, they probably won’t remember it in the morning.

Why do kids talk in their sleep?

Your child might talk in their sleep more regularly if they’re excited or worried about something, like a concert, a holiday or a test.

What to do if your child is sleeptalking

If you think your child is talking in their sleep because they’re worried or excited about something, talking while they’re awake might help. You could try talking calmly and supportively about the thing that’s worrying them.

It’s up to you whether you tell your child about the sleeptalking. Keep in mind that your child might start to worry about talking in their sleep, which might make it hard for them to fall asleep.

Sleeptalking doesn’t harm your child, and often children sleeptalk less as they get older. But it can be annoying for anyone who shares a room with your child. If it keeps other children awake, it can help to change the sleeping arrangements.