Why do people talk while asleep?

I am from a family of five and it surprises me that some people start sleep talking at around 3am. One of them converses with the dead while others converse with each other but when you call them or try to find out why they are talking, they are asleep. Are these charms?

Juma Bitangalo

Dear Juma: Sleep is supposed to be quiet and restful but when a person unknowingly starts mumbling or holding monologues or dialogues, sometimes loudly, in their sleep, this may not only disturb those sharing a room with them but even themselves, especially if it is related to other sleep disorders like sleep walking.
Sleep talking, which often occurs concurrently with other sleep disorders such as sleep walking, usually runs in families and commonly affects children. Children may eventually outgrow it during puberty.
In rare cases, it may persist into adulthood but if it starts in adulthood, it may be related to other mental health issues.
This, though, is a rare and short-lived occurrence though it may be caused by stress, sleep deprivation, alcohol or drug use, and fever.

Sleep talking may be spontaneous or induced by conversation with the sleeper. This may be the reason why sleep talkers may talk at the same time and may seem to be conversing.
If the talking is a few times, it may be harmless – not requiring treatment.
While there is no known way to reduce sleep talking, if it is frequent, it will disturb other people’s sleep or may be associated with other medical issues and may require one to consult a doctor.
If there is a trigger like stress or alcohol, then avoiding the trigger may help.

EXPERTS SAY
Help. It is a good idea to seek medical attention if your sleep talking occurs suddenly as an adult or if it involves intense fear, screaming, or violent actions. You might also consider seeing a doctor if unconscious chatter is interfering with your sleep.
If you think your child has sleep problems, make an appointment with a paediatrician. There are no tests needed to diagnose sleep talking. However, the doctor may order tests, such as a sleep study to rule out other disorders.