Sleep Talking, Sleep Terrors and Nightmares

Sleep Talking, Sleep Terrors and Nightmares are different types of sleep disorders, medically called Parasomnias. A Parasomnia is described as an unpleasant sleep episode that manifests as talking, walking or just suffering a terrible dream.

Sleep talking or somniloquy points to a word, set of words or sentences uttered during sleep. In most cases, sleep talking begins in deep sleep also called as NREM sleep. Of course this varies between individuals and some are known to talk during REM sleep. The causative factors of sleep talking point towards stress and ill health. Apart from it being a nuisance to others sharing the room, sleep talking is not much cause for worry.

Sleep Terrors generally strike during the initial phase of sleep. Also called as night terrors, it may begin unexpectedly with a loud and frightened scream. The victims may also sweat profusely and experience palpitations. Mostly occurring during the third and fourth phase of NREM sleep, night terrors are also known to dawn at any time in the night. Generally no memory of the night terror exists, though there could be a few exceptions.

Nightmare disorders are scary dreams that occur during REM sleep which causes the victim to wake up completely. Some victims experience sweating and palpitations. While victims may not recall the experience of night terror, night mares have an opposite effect on the victim. Not only do they completely wake up from their sleep, they are also able to distinctly recall the nightmarish episode. Thankfully, nightmares are infrequent and in cases where it is not, medical attention is advised.

"Why does he always have to abuse me when he sleep talks?"