Attitudes and beliefs regarding sleeptalking in the college population

The purpose of this study was to explore attitudes and beliefs about sleeptalking (somniloquy) as they relate to 10 conceptually selected variables frequently found in the professional literature including: age, gender, frequency, content, intelligibility, bothersomeness to sleeping companion, degree of pathology, association with dreaming, and a bilingual issue. This preliminary investigation included 129 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a small northern California university using a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. Descriptive statistics of demographics and level of experience with sleeptalking were obtained. Percentages, means, and standard deviations for responses to each item were obtained. A summary of two open-ended items is included. Respondents reported varied experience with sleeptalking including 31.0% current sleeptalkers, 15.5% former sleeptalkers, 34.9% claiming vicarious experience with sleeptalkers, and 18.6% claiming no experience with sleeptalking. Thus 81.4% of this sample claimed some experience with sleeptalking. Additionally, 20.9% reported multiple experiences with sleeptalking. Most participants expressed uncertainty in their beliefs regarding age, gender, prevalence, and frequency of sleeptalk although they believed that sleeptalking is fairly common. In general, most did not believe that sleeptalking is pathological. However, a subset expressed uncertainty about or agreed that sleeptalkers may possibly have other unusual behaviors, more psychological problems, or need treatment for their sleeptalking. Most respondents did not view sleeptalking as particularly bothersome to sleeping companions although a subset indicated that sleeptalk might be frightening, annoying, or a problem. Participants indicated a belief that sleeptalk is associated with dreaming. They believed that bilinguals tend to sleeptalk in their primary language. Results regarding content and intelligibility of sleeptalk conflicted and varied widely, particularly regarding revelation of secrets and conversations with a sleeptalker during somniloquy. Most self-identified sleeptalkers regarded sleeptalk as an interesting and harmless sleep behavior. Suggestions for future research are discussed.