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October 13, 2008 SEARCH drSpock 
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Dr. Robert Needlman
Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.
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Toddler Talking in His Sleep
QUESTION
Dear Dr. Needlman,
Is it OK for my 15-month-old son to be talking in his sleep? My husband says it's a sign of stress. Thank you for your help.

— ConnieLynn in Reno, NV

ANSWER
November 7, 2001
Dear ConnieLynn,
Lots of toddlers talk in their sleep. While sleep-talking sometimes increases when children are under psychological stress, most children who sleep-talk are just fine. If they are experiencing stress, it is only the usual, normal stress that comes with being 15 months old. (For example, the stess of understanding more than one can express verbally, and of wanting to be independent, while still actually being very dependent.) Unless you are noticing some other concerning behavior (for example, frequent nightmares or new agressive or anxious behavior), you probably don't have to worry at all about the sleep talking. It is probably normal.

— by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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