SOMNILOQUY Meaning and
Definition
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Somniloquy is a noun referring to the act of talking during sleep. Also known as sleep talking, somniloquy commonly occurs during the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages of sleep, particularly in the lighter stages of slumber. This condition is characterized by the utterance of intelligible or unintelligible speech, varying from a simple mumble to complete, coherent sentences. Somniloquy can be in one's own language or may involve speaking in a language that the individual does not know when awake.
The content of somniloquent speech ranges from mundane and nonsensical phrases to vivid storytelling, shouting, or even engaging in conversations with unseen characters. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, anxiety, alcohol consumption, certain medications, sleep deprivation, or even sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or night terrors.
While somniloquy is mostly harmless, it can occasionally disrupt the sleep of partners or household members sharing the same environment. Despite being prevalent in children, it can also occur in adults. Treatment for sleep talking is typically not necessary, unless it is caused by an underlying sleep disorder that requires attention. Techniques such as improving sleep hygiene, reducing stress, and creating a quiet sleeping environment can help minimize the occurrence of somniloquy.
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Talking under the influence of hypnotic suggestion.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SOMNILOQUY
Etymology of SOMNILOQUY
The word "somniloquy" is derived from Latin. It combines the Latin words "somnus", meaning "sleep", and "loqui", meaning "to speak". Therefore, "somniloquy" literally means "sleep talking" in English.
Similar spelling words for SOMNILOQUY
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