Unconscious Behavior: Sleepwalking and Speaking Issues

Recently, my mental state has been increasingly abnormal?

I have recently started experiencing both unconscious and conscious sleepwalking.
The frequency of talking in my sleep is about once or twice a week.
Recently, while playing a game with a friend, he suddenly said, "What do you mean someone?" I was confused because I hadn’t spoken, but he said I just said, "Someone, someone." It seems I am starting to talk without being aware of it, and I am afraid that one day I might talk again without realizing it.
I also find that I am increasingly losing things and becoming more easily distracted.
These issues have worsened despite my efforts to exercise regularly, eat healthily, and maintain good sleep.
I am unsure where the problem lies and whether it is related to the severe emotional trauma I experienced last year.
I wonder if I am suppressing myself too much, but I feel like I am living a fulfilling life.
Or am I just deceiving myself?

Xiao Yang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/12

Dr. Guo Jialun reply Psychiatry

Sleepwalking may be related to certain psychosocial stressors or genetic factors, but it generally occurs during sleep.
The example you mentioned involves unconscious behaviors during waking activities, which may resemble a dissociative state or lack of attention, potentially linked to internal or external stressors.
If the condition is severe enough to impact daily functioning, it is advisable to seek an evaluation from a mental health professional.

Reply Date: 2020/10/12

More Info

Your concerns about sleepwalking, talking in your sleep, and other related symptoms are quite valid and deserve careful consideration. Sleepwalking and sleep talking, known clinically as somnambulism and somniloquy respectively, are types of parasomnias—unusual behaviors that occur during sleep. These behaviors can happen during non-REM sleep, particularly in the deeper stages, and often occur without the individual being aware of them.

From your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of sleepwalking and sleep talking, which can be alarming, especially when you are unaware of your actions. The fact that your friend reported you saying "有人有人" (meaning "someone, someone") while you were not conscious of it indicates that you may be experiencing episodes of sleep talking, which can occur in various forms, ranging from simple sounds to full sentences.

The increase in these episodes, along with your feelings of confusion and forgetfulness, could be linked to several factors. Stress and emotional trauma, such as the severe psychological distress you mentioned experiencing last year, can significantly impact sleep quality and lead to disturbances. Even if you feel that you are managing your life well, underlying stressors can manifest in sleep disorders.
Moreover, lifestyle changes, including increased exercise and healthier eating, are generally beneficial for sleep, but they may not fully counteract the effects of psychological stress or trauma. It’s also important to consider that sleep disorders can sometimes be exacerbated by irregular sleep patterns, insufficient sleep, or even certain medications. If you have recently changed your routine or introduced new supplements or medications, these could also be contributing factors.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a sleep specialist or a psychologist, who can provide a comprehensive evaluation. They may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to monitor your sleep patterns and behaviors more closely. This can help determine if there are any underlying sleep disorders or if your symptoms are related to psychological factors.

In the meantime, here are a few strategies that might help manage your symptoms:
1. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock.

2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath. This can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

3. Limit Stimulants: Reduce or eliminate caffeine and nicotine, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime. These substances can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.

4. Manage Stress: Consider incorporating stress-reducing techniques into your daily routine, such as mindfulness, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises. These can help alleviate some of the psychological stress that may be contributing to your sleep disturbances.

5. Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Meals Before Bed: Both can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to sleep disturbances.

6. Keep a Sleep Diary: Document your sleep patterns, including when you go to bed, when you wake up, and any episodes of sleepwalking or talking. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider.

In conclusion, while sleepwalking and sleep talking can be benign in some cases, their increase in frequency and your associated feelings of confusion warrant further investigation. Seeking professional help will provide you with the best course of action to understand and manage your symptoms effectively. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there are resources available to help you navigate these challenges.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Sleep Talking and Nighttime Behavior: Is It Sleepwalking?

Doctor, I have a tendency to sleep talk, but I don't really have much of a recollection of dreaming myself! Recently, my roommate mentioned that I often sit up in the middle of the night with my eyes open and mumble to myself. This has been happening more frequently. However...

Dr. Lai Lunxiang reply Neurology
This refers to "constitution"; if there are adverse physical conditions, they must be addressed; otherwise, it may not be necessary.

Understanding Sleepwalking: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: I have recently been experiencing sleepwalking and talking in my sleep, which is very distressing for me. Please tell me what causes sleepwalking and how to treat somnambulism. Thank you.

Dr. Kong Fanzhong reply Psychiatry
If your condition is simply talking in your sleep, there is no need to worry; most people talk in their sleep at certain times. If it indeed fits the description of somnambulism, also known as sleepwalking, it is generally not a major concern. Sleepwalking typically occurs two to...

Understanding Sleepwalking: Is It Just a Dream or a Split Personality?

Recently, I have been experiencing frequent sleepwalking episodes where I engage in many actions that I cannot accept. During these episodes, I feel quite clever and tend to leave behind clues (like making marks to see if I have sleepwalked). Later, the sleepwalking version of me...

Dr. Peng Liyun reply Psychiatry
Hello! Based on your description alone, it is not possible to determine your condition, such as the need to rule out physiological diseases or substance use, the timing of the episodes, and other detailed information. I recommend that you visit a mental health specialist for a co...

Understanding Sleep Disorders: When Talking and Moving in Sleep Becomes a Concern

Hello Doctor: Since I was young, I have often talked in my sleep, and what I say is usually either cursing or crying out (my mom frequently comes to my room to check on me because of the volume of my sleep talking). Recently, since I started living with my boyfriend, he has also ...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello Grace: Your condition is likely what is known as "REM Sleep Behavior Disorder." Normally, during dreaming, a person's muscles relax; however, individuals with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder maintain muscle tone during dreams, which can lead to acting out their d...