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If you’ve been awakened in the night by your elderly parent talking in their sleep, you might wonder what’s happening. After all, it’s not like they’re conscious and can carry on a conversation. So why are they doing it?
There are several reasons why elderly parents talk in their sleep. One possibility is that they’re experiencing sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Another potential cause is a medication that causes them to experience sleep-talking episodes.
In this article, I will explain some typical causes of sleep-talking and offer you some suggestions to help your elderly parent sleep better. I’ll also discuss possible sleeping disorders to look out for in your parents so that you and your mom or dad can rest easy.
What Is Sleep Talking?
According to Slumber Yard, sleep-talking, also known as somniloquy, is a type of sleep disorder in which a person starts talking in their sleep without being aware of it. Sleep-talking can occur during any stage of sleep, but it is most common during deep or REM sleep.
It usually lasts between a few seconds to a few minutes and is not harmful. However, in some cases, sleep-talking can be a symptom of a more severe sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea.
Various factors, including stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation, and certain medications, can cause sleep talking in your elderly parents. If your parent is sleep-talking, you must consult their doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
What Causes Sleep Talking?
Although, in most cases, sleep-talking is harmless, it could be a symptom of a more concerning sleep disorder in some instances.
For example, if your parent has apnea, they might talk during their slumber.
If you’re wondering why your mom or dad is talking in their sleep, here are several possible causes:
- They’re reliving memories. Our brains sometimes have trouble distinguishing between real and unreal experiences as we age. So, if your parent is talking in their sleep, they might be reliving a memory that they find comforting. It’s also possible that they’re trying to make sense of something that’s been bothering them during the day.
- They’re responding to internal stimuli. Sometimes, people talk in their sleep because they respond to internal stimuli, such as hunger or thirst. If your parent seems to be mumbling about food or drink, it might be time to give them a snack or a glass of water before bed.
- They have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes people to stop breathing for brief periods during the night. It can be hazardous, particularly for older adults, and it often leads to disruptive snoring. However, some people with sleep apnea also talk in their sleep. If you’re concerned that your parent might have this condition, you should take them to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- They’re taking medication. Certain medications can cause people to talk in their sleep. Sleep-talking may be a side effect if your parent takes medication for a condition like anxiety or depression. In most cases, however, sleep-talking caused by medication is not harmful.
What You Can Do To Help Them
If you have an elderly parent who sleep-talks, keeping an eye on their condition and overall health is essential. Sleep talking can indicate an underlying medical condition, so it’s crucial to determine the potential causes.
If your parent is generally healthy, you can do a few things to help them with their sleep talking. Here are a few examples of what you can do:
Keep a Sleep Diary
If you’re concerned that your parent’s sleep-talking might be a symptom of a more severe condition, it’s essential to keep track of their sleep habits. For a week or two, write down when they sleep-talk, what they say, and how long the episodes last. This information can be helpful for their doctor.
Create a Relaxing Sleep Environment
A calm and relaxing sleep environment can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can, in turn, reduce the frequency of sleep-talking episodes.
Consider adding a salt lamp or an essential oil diffuser to the room they sleep in so that it’s peaceful, dimly lit, and cool. These additions to your parent’s area might help them relax physically and emotionally before bed.
If you’re looking for a quality salt lamp, I recommend the Himalayan Salt Lamp Bowl (available on Amazon.com). A light like this can add ambiance, comfort your parent if they wake up in the middle of the night, and help them wind down for bed.
Help Them De-Stress
Help your parent de-stress before bed if stress and anxiety trigger their sleep-talking.
You might do this by encouraging your parent to take a warm bath, read, or do some light stretching to calm their mind and body.
Talk to Their Doctor
If you’re worried that your parent’s sleep-talking might signify something more serious, it’s critical to speak with their doctor. They can investigate any medical reasons and provide recommendations for handling sleep talking.
What To Do if You Think Your Parent Has a Sleep Disorder
If you’re concerned that your parent’s sleep-talking is a sign of a more significant sleep disorder, there are a few things you can do. First, make an appointment with their doctor. They can rule out potential medical causes and refer your parent to a sleep specialist if necessary.
You can also talk to a sleep specialist yourself. They can help you understand more about sleep disorders and what you can do to help your parent.
Meanwhile, you can do a few things to help your parent get a good night’s sleep. First, create a relaxed and comfortable sleep environment. You can also help them de-stress before bed by reading a book or taking a bath.
Finally, ensure they get enough daily exercise and eat a healthy diet. These lifestyle changes can help improve your parent’s sleep quality and reduce the frequency of sleep-talking episodes.
Too much sleep can also be detrimental to the elderly. Do you know how much sleep is normal for the elderly? Find out the answer in my guide. How Much Sleep is Too Much for the Elderly?
Conclusion
There are several reasons why your elderly parent may be talking in their sleep. Sleep talking might signify a medical problem like obstructive sleep apnea or drug reactions.
However, sleep talking could also be due to stress or anxiety. If you’re anxious that your parent’s sleep talking might signal a more significant issue, consult their physician. They can help identify potential causes and refer your parent to the appropriate specialist if needed.
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