Talking in one’s sleep is a common yet frustrating experience. Also referred to as parasomnia, a type of sleep disorder, sleep talking can disrupt your sleep and the rest of those around you. Usually people who are common sleep talkers are completely unaware of the impact that sleep talking has on the quality of their sleep.

Among many possible causes for sleep talking, the most common is stress. Sometimes the mind is just unable to stop replaying all of the troubling events of the day. There are also many other reasons that sleep talking might occur, including lack of sleep, eating too much before bed and not eating enough before going to sleep.

While there is no miracle cure for sleep talking, there are some things that can be done to lessen the problem:

Relaxation: There are many different types of stress relievers that might help this condition. Different options include: massage, meditation or prayer, or exercise such as walking or yoga. Anything that is found to be soothing in nature to the sleep talker may ease the problem.

Hypnosis: Some people feel that we do not make a conscious decision to sleep talk and that hypnosis, which deals with the unconscious mind, is the best option. Hypnosis experts feel that targeting the problem with hypnosis works well because it can reach the subconscious part of the brain where the problem is created.

Diet: Be careful what is eaten in the hours before going to bed. Meals that are large and heavy, and high in fat are a bad option, especially right before going to sleep. Do your best to eat a nutritious meal that is light before bed. Things like alcohol, caffeine and energy drinks should also be avoided.

Finally, the most critical piece of advice is to search out professional help from a sleep specialist or therapist. Evaluation at a licensed sleep center is sometimes the only way proper treatment can be determined, although many people leave this option until last in their quest to stop their problem.