Sleepwalking is not specially uncommon in children when they
are sleeping, and can be the result of emotional disturbance; occasionally it
seems that a nightmare
can be a trigger. It is rare for a child to hurt herself when sleepwalking:
she will stumble about, occasionally knocking into furniture, and perhaps talking
to herself; eventually she will return to bed of her own accord. You can try
very gently to waken her - it is not dangerous to do so, as has sometimes been
claimed. But all things being equal it is probably best to leave her alone.
Sleepwalking in adults is more unusual, but when it happens (never during REM
sleep, and usually during the first two hours) it can be spectacular. One American
woman put on a dressing-gown, got into her car and drove for over twenty miles
on a freeway before waking to find herself at the wheel. Sleepwalking can run
in families, and to that extent there may be some physical trigger; but it can
be the result of some psychological or emotional disturbance which dream 
analysis
may help to resolve.
It is not important whether you talk or don't talk during sleeping. There seems no patterns about talking during sleep. Some people may talk, some may not. Sometimes they talk during an REM period, sometimes at other times. Talk during REM sleep seems to be related to dreams which are going on at the same time. On the other hands, talking at other times may be nonsense, or related to some physical facts - the bedroom may be too cold, or there is a noise going on around your bedroom.
1. The Good Sleep Guide by Michael Van Straten
| "Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together." |
|
Thomas Dekker
|
Health
