mjmaginn

Hi, I'm posting regarding a language disorder that has affected and inhibited me from a young age. I have a moderate stammer that I theorise, after personal experiment, is directly affected by amount of sleep, specifically a lack of sleep.

I have noticed that, if I receive less than 8 hours sleep per night, my quality of speech the next day is very poor. I have also noticed that it is not consistent for, if I receive good sleep for approximately 3/4 nights, my speech is fluent and the effect lasts for a few days afterwards too!

The language problem began when I was performing in a primary school play, the leading role, when, during auditions, I suddenly could not speak. This childhood experience has blighted my life ever since, and, considering that I enjoy public speaking and am a confident orator, has severe consequences on my day-to-day life.

I am looking for a biological explanation of the link between sleep and my stammer and, although difficult, help and ideas for dealing with my affliction. After many years of speech therapy with little consistent success, I realise and understand that there isn't such a thing as a treatment or miracle cure. However, I would like advice on how to control my affliction.

Thanks,

Matthew Maginn