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About sleeptalking

Sleeptalking is when people talk while they’re asleep.

If your child sleeptalks, 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, your child probably won’t remember it in the morning.

What to do about sleeptalking

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. 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 and teenagers can sometimes start to worry about falling 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.

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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.

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