Sleep texting though it might sound improbable, it happens.
Sleep texting is using your phone to reply to messages while you are asleep.
According to the Sleep Foundation, sleep texting is a phenomenon in which a person replies to text messages or initiates sending messages while they are technically asleep.
Sleep texting is not a stand-alone diagnosis. Instead, it is generally grouped in with other parasomnias, a term that refers to abnormal behaviors that occur during sleep, while falling asleep, or while waking up.
As with other parasomnias, people who report sleep texting often do not recall their behaviors the next day.
Since there are not any research studies specifically looking at sleep texting, we cannot yet be certain about its cause. However, research on other parasomnias provides hints at the mechanisms behind sleep texting.
Possible causes
Stress
When the brain, and body are tired, sleeping becomes challenging. This results in sleep that is often fragmented and fitful. If your job is causing you stress and you need your phone to work, studies show that too could cause you to send texts without you realizing.
Too many activities
If your schedule is hectic your brain may not entirely shut down at night; this could make you send messages saying whatever’s on your subconscious mind.
According to research, Americans are now checking their phones 80 times each day, indicating an extreme attachment to our phones.
Lack of sleep and genetics
When you are deprived of sleep, you are mostly to suffer from a multitude of consequences without realising it. Chronic sleep deprivation has been known to lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and heart failure. Further, dealing with physical ailments are often stressful on our minds as well, which could lead to a distracted mind come time for bed.
And if you are constantly interrupted while you sleep could also lead to sleep texting.
According to research if a parent suffers from a sleep disorder (even if it’s not texting-related), their child could also inherit the condition.
Preventions
You should speak to a doctor if you experience sleep texting along with other disruptive or potentially dangerous parasomnias. If you maintain a consistent sleep routine and still experience parasomnias, they could be a sign of an underlying health condition.
For most people who sleep text, there is a simple solution. When it’s time to go to bed, you can try one of the following:
- turn off your phone or put your phone in “night mode”
- turn off sounds and notifications
- leave your phone out of your bedroom
- avoid using your phone in the hour before bed
Also see: Sleeping hacks you should try
