Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder Quiz
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Lucid dreams
Vivid dreams
Talking in your sleep
Sleep talking
Falling out of bed
Acting out dreams
Remembering dreams every night
Involuntary movements during sleep
Legs moving at night
Body jerking movements during sleep
Vocalizing during sleep
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder?
Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a condition in which a person abnormally acts out dreams during rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep, a phase of sleep that is normally characterized by random, rapid movements of the eyes, vivid dreams, and muscle paralysis. The acting out can range from calm limb movements to violent arm and leg thrashing, talking, and/or shouting. Although RBD can be caused by certain medications or sleep conditions such as narcolepsy, RBD is a most commonly a precursor to later onset of Parkinson disease. 75% of RBD patients develop Parkinson disease by 12 years after RBD diagnosis.
Typical Symptoms of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder
- Abnormal sleep behaviors happen just before waking up in the morning
- Abnormal sleep behaviors that happen together with nightmares
- Usually able to recall the events in my dreams
- Uncontrollable movements that usually happen at night
- Light sleeper or easily awoken
- Sleep-talking loudly
- Have performed violent actions while asleep
- Eyes shut during a seizure
Diagnostic Questions for Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do your sleep abnormalities occur just before waking up?
- Do your abnormal sleep behaviors occur with nightmares?
- Are you usually able to recall your dreams?
- Do your uncontrollable movements happen at night?
- Do you wake up easily?
Treatment of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder
Treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder may include physical safeguards, medications to reduce symptoms, as well as avoiding certain antidepressant medications that can worsen RBD symptoms. Physical safeguards include padding the floor near the bed, removing dangerous objects from the bedroom, or encouraging sleeping alone.
Reviewed By:
Benjamin Kummer, MD (Neurology)
Dr Kummer is Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), with joint appointment in Digital and Technology Partners (DTP) at the Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) as Director of Clinical Informatics in Neurology. As a triple-board certified practicing stroke neurologist and informaticist, he has successfully improved clinical operations at the point of care by acting as a central liaison between clinical neurology faculty and DTP teams to implement targeted EHR configuration changes and workflows, as well as providing subject matter expertise on health information technology projects across MSHS. | Dr Kummer also has several years’ experience building and implementing several informatics tools, presenting scientific posters, and generating a body of peer-reviewed work in “clinical neuro-informatics” – i.e., the intersection of clinical neurology, digital health, and informatics – much of which is centered on digital/tele-health, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. He has spearheaded the Clinical Neuro-Informatics Center in the Department of Neurology at ISMMS, a new research institute that seeks to establish the field of clinical neuro-informatics and disseminate knowledge to the neurological community on the effects and benefits of clinical informatics tools at the point of care.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Jul 10, 2024
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Symptoms Related to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder
FAQs
Q.
Can exercise influence REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) positively or negatively?
A.
Exercise can affect sleep and related disorders, but the exact impact on REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is not clear from the provided references.
References:
Ophey A, Vinod V, Röttgen S, Scharfenberg D, Fink GR, Sommerauer M, et al. (2025). Accelerometry-derived features of physical activity, sleep .... Journal of neurology, 39934559.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39934559/
Lerche S, Gutfreund A, Brockmann K, Hobert MA, Wurster I, Sünkel U, et al. (2018). Effect of physical activity on cognitive flexibility, depression .... Clinical neurology and neurosurgery, 29331872.
Q.
Can sleep apnea occur together with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?
A.
Yes, sleep apnea can occur together with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD). People with RBD may also have sleep apnea, which affects their breathing during sleep.
References:
Gabryelska A, Roguski A, Simpson G, Maschauer EL, Morrison I, & Riha RL. (2018). Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in REM behaviour .... Sleep & breathing = Schlaf & Atmung, 28951996.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28951996/
Giardino DL, Fasano P, & Garay A. (2021). The "respiratory REM sleep without atonia benefit" on .... Sleep science (Sao Paulo, Brazil), 34381583.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34381583/
Vorderwülbecke BJ, Lehmann R, & Breuer E. (2020). Sleep-Disordered Breathing in REM Sleep Behavior .... Journal of Parkinson's disease, 32390642.
Q.
Do lifestyle changes help manage REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) symptoms?
A.
Lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and a healthy diet, may help manage symptoms of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), especially when linked to conditions like Parkinson's.
References:
Baghaei A, Kim HS, Dolhun R, Sherzai D, & Dashtipour K. (2025). Review of the Effects of Lifestyle Modification on Parkinson's .... American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 12494586.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12494586/
Matar E, McCarter SJ, St Louis EK, & Lewis SJ. (2021). Current Concepts and Controversies in the Management of .... Neurotherapeutics, 8116413.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8116413/
Reichmann H, Csoti I, Koschel J, Lorenzl S, Schrader C, Winkler J, & Wüllner U. (2022). Life style and Parkinson's disease - PMC - PubMed Central. Journal of Neural Transmission, 9463300.
Q.
How can family members support someone living with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?
A.
Family members can help someone with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder by making the sleeping area safe and supporting medical treatments.
References:
Chan PC, Lee HH, Hong CT, Hu CJ, & Wu D. (2018). REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) in Dementia with Lewy .... Behavioural Neurology, 6029467.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6029467/
Prins EM, Pijpers A, Verbeek N, Darweesh SK, Geerlings AD, Meinders MJ, et al. (2025). The impact of REM-sleep behavior disorder on people with .... NPJ Parkinson's Disease, 12085624.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12085624/
Schütz L, Sixel-Döring F, & Hermann W. (2022). Management of Sleep Disturbances in Parkinson's Disease. Journal of Parkinson's Disease, 9661340.
Q.
Is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) hereditary?
A.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) may have a genetic component, as certain genetic variants are linked to this condition.
References:
Bjørnarå KA, Pihlstrøm L, Dietrichs E, & Toft M. (2018). Risk variants of the α-synuclein locus and REM sleep .... BMC neurology, 29466944.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29466944/
Ojo OO, Bandres-Ciga S, Makarious MB, Crea PW, Hernandez DG, Houlden H, et al. (2023). The non-coding GBA1 rs3115534 variant is associated .... medRxiv : the preprint server for health sciences, 38076854.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38076854/
Ojo OO, Bandres-Ciga S, Makarious MB, Crea PW, Hernandez DG, Houlden H, et al. (2024). GBA1 rs3115534 Is Associated with REM Sleep Behavior .... Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society, 38390630.
Q.
What is the difference between REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) and nightmares where you talk or shout?
A.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is when people physically act out their dreams during sleep, often with movements and sounds, while nightmares with talking or shouting don't usually involve physical actions.
References:
Sobreira-Neto MA, Stelzer FG, Gitaí LL, Alves RC, Eckeli AL, & Schenck CH. (2023). REM sleep behavior disorder: update on diagnosis and .... Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, 10756822.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10756822/
Fasiello E, Scarpelli S, Gorgoni M, Alfonsi V, & De Gennaro L. (2022). Dreaming in Parasomnias: REM Sleep Behavior Disorder as a .... Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9654698.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9654698/
Boeve BF. (2010). REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Updated Review of the Core .... Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2902006.
Q.
What long-term management strategies are recommended for chronic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?
A.
There are no specific long-term management strategies for chronic REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) provided in the available references.
References:
Gordon WA, Hibbard MR, Egelko S, Diller L, Shaver MS, Lieberman A, & Ragnarsson K. (1985). Perceptual remediation in patients with right brain damage. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 4004531.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4004531/
Chakravorty SS, & Rye DB. (2003). Narcolepsy in the older adult: epidemiology, diagnosis and .... Drugs & aging, 12696996.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12696996/
Cunha BP, Freitas SMSF, Gomes GFO, & de Freitas PB. (2019). Hand Grip and Load Force Coordination of the Ipsilesional .... Journal of motor behavior, 30600789.
Q.
When should REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) be considered a medical emergency?
A.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) can be a medical emergency if it leads to injuries or if severe symptoms suddenly appear. Immediate medical attention is needed if someone acts out dreams violently or gets hurt.
References:
Bramich S, King A, Kuruvilla M, Naismith SL, Noyce A, & Alty J. (2022). Isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder - PubMed Central - NIH. Journal of Neurology, 9363360.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9363360/
Jin H, Zhang JR, Shen Y, & Liu CF. (2017). Clinical Significance of REM Sleep Behavior Disorders and .... Neuroscience Bulletin, 5636735.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5636735/
Schaeffer E, & Berg D. (2021). Complications following REM sleep behavior disorder - PMC. Brain and Behavior, 8119867.
Q.
Are there medications that help reduce REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) episodes?
A.
Yes, there are medications that can help reduce episodes of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), such as clonazepam and melatonin.
References:
Jung Y, & St Louis EK. (2016). Treatment of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder - PubMed - NIH. Current treatment options in neurology, 27752878.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27752878/
During EH, Malkani R, Arnulf I, Kunz D, Bes F, De Cock VC, et al. (2025). Symptomatic treatment of REM sleep behavior disorder .... Sleep medicine, 40408791.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40408791/
Que Z, Zheng C, Zhao Z, Weng Y, Zhu Z, Zeng Y, et al. (2022). The treatment efficacy of pharmacotherapies for rapid eye .... Heliyon, 36387478.
Q.
Can certain medications trigger or worsen REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?
A.
Some medications, like certain antidepressants, can trigger or worsen REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD).
References:
Onofrj M, Luciano AL, Thomas A, Iacono D, & D'Andreamatteo G. (2003). Mirtazapine induces REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) .... Neurology, 12525729.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12525729/
Postuma RB, Gagnon JF, Tuineaig M, Bertrand JA, Latreille V, Desjardins C, & Montplaisir JY. (2013). Antidepressants and REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Sleep, 24179289.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24179289/
Mahowald MW, Schenck CH, & Bornemann MA. (2007). Pathophysiologic mechanisms in REM sleep behavior .... Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 17355839.
Q.
Can improving sleep habits reduce RBD episodes?
A.
Improving sleep habits may help reduce episodes of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), but more research is needed to understand the full effects.
References:
Taximaimaiti R, Luo X, & Wang XP. (2021). Pharmacological and Non-pharmacological Treatments of .... Current Neuropharmacology, 9185775.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9185775/
Elder GJ, Lazar AS, Alfonso‐Miller P, & Taylor J. (2022). Sleep disturbances in Lewy body dementia: A systematic review. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 9827922.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9827922/
Amara AW, Chahine LM, & Videnovic A. (2017). Treatment of Sleep Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease. Current treatment options in neurology, 6371969.
Q.
Can REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) be an early warning sign of neurological illness?
A.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) can be an early sign of neurological diseases like Parkinson's. It often appears years before other symptoms.
References:
Postuma RB. (2014). Prodromal Parkinson's disease--using REM sleep behavior .... Parkinsonism & related disorders, 24262156.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24262156/
Postuma RB, Gagnon JF, & Montplaisir J. (2013). Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder as a .... Sleep medicine, 23058689.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23058689/
Barone DA, & Henchcliffe C. (2018). Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and the link to .... Clinical neurophysiology : official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology, 29883833.
Q.
Can REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) be confused with night terrors or PTSD-related nightmares?
A.
Yes, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) can be confused with night terrors or PTSD-related nightmares because they all involve unusual behaviors during sleep, but they have different characteristics and occur at different sleep stages.
References:
Baltzan M, Yao C, Rizzo D, & Postuma R. (2020). Dream enactment behavior: review for the clinician - PMC. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine : JCSM : Official Publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 8034224.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8034224/
Meurling IJ, Leschziner G, & Drakatos P. (2022). What respiratory physicians should know about parasomnias. Breathe, 9584583.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9584583/
Singh S, Kaur H, Singh S, & Khawaja I. (2018). Parasomnias: A Comprehensive Review - PMC. Cureus, 6402728.
Q.
Can REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) episodes be violent or dangerous?
A.
Yes, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) episodes can be violent or dangerous, as individuals may act out their dreams physically.
References:
Sixel-Döring F, Schweitzer M, Mollenhauer B, & Trenkwalder C. (2011). Intraindividual variability of REM sleep behavior disorder in .... Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 21344049.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21344049/
Ryan Williams R, & Sandigo G. (2017). Venlafaxine-induced REM Sleep Behavioral Disorder .... Trauma case reports, 29644271.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29644271/
Kass JS, & Rose RV. (2020). Criminal Culpability for Acts Committed During a Possible .... Continuum (Minneapolis, Minn.), 32756236.
Q.
Can REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) occur every night, or does it vary in frequency?
A.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) can happen every night or less often, depending on the person.
References:
Grenot M, Roman A, Villalba M, Morel AL, Fort P, Arthaud S, et al. (2024). Major alteration of motor control during rapid eye .... Sleep, 39121093.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39121093/
Reilly S, Dhaliwal S, Arshad U, Macerollo A, Husain N, & Costa AD. (2024). The effects of rivastigmine on neuropsychiatric symptoms .... European journal of neurology, 37975761.
Q.
Can REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) occur in younger adults or children?
A.
Yes, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) can occur in children, although it is less common than in older adults.
References:
Stores G. (2008). Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder in children .... Developmental medicine and child neurology, 18834385.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18834385/
Bellusci L, Grubbs G, Sait S, Herbst KW, Salazar JC, Khurana S, & The Connecticut Children's Covid Collaborative. (2024). Evolution of the Antigenic Landscape in Children and Young .... Vaccines, 38932367.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38932367/
Acharya SS. (2013). Rare bleeding disorders in children: identification and .... Pediatrics, 24127475.
Q.
Can stopping certain antidepressants improve REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) symptoms?
A.
Stopping certain antidepressants like duloxetine and venlafaxine may help improve REM Sleep Behavior Disorder symptoms.
References:
Tan L, Zhou J, Yang L, Ren R, Zhang Y, Li T, & Tang X. (2017). Duloxetine-induced rapid eye movement sleep behavior .... BMC Psychiatry, 5698922.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5698922/
Kierlin L, & Littner MR. (2011). Parasomnias and Antidepressant Therapy: A Review of the .... Frontiers in Psychiatry, 3235766.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3235766/
Ryan Williams R, & Sandigo G. (2017). Venlafaxine-induced REM sleep behavioral disorder .... Trauma Case Reports, 5887064.
Q.
Do people remember their dreams during REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) episodes?
A.
Yes, people with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) often remember their dreams, which can be vivid and sometimes aggressive.
References:
Fasiello E, Scarpelli S, Gorgoni M, Alfonsi V, & De Gennaro L. (2022). Dreaming in Parasomnias: REM Sleep Behavior Disorder .... Journal of clinical medicine, 36362607.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36362607/
Fantini ML, Corona A, Clerici S, & Ferini-Strambi L. (2005). Aggressive dream content without daytime .... Neurology, 16217051.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16217051/
McCarter SJ, St Louis EK, Boswell CL, Dueffert LG, Slocumb N, Boeve BF, et al. (2014). Factors associated with injury in REM sleep behavior disorder. Sleep medicine, 25194585.
Q.
Do people with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) experience daytime fatigue?
A.
Yes, people with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) can experience daytime fatigue or sleepiness.
References:
Gjerstad MD, Alves G, & Maple-Grødem J. (2018). Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and REM Sleep Behavior .... Frontiers in neurology, 30487775.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30487775/
Diaconu Ș, Falup-Pecurariu O, Țînț D, & Falup-Pecurariu C. (2021). REM sleep behaviour disorder in Parkinson's disease .... Experimental and therapeutic medicine, 34131435.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34131435/
Xiang YQ, Xu Q, Sun QY, Wang ZQ, Tian Y, Fang LJ, et al. (2019). Clinical Features and Correlates of Excessive Daytime .... Frontiers in neurology, 30837940.
Q.
Does REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease?
A.
Yes, having REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) can increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
References:
Postuma RB. (2014). Prodromal Parkinson's disease--using REM sleep behavior .... Parkinsonism & related disorders, 24262156.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24262156/
Postuma RB, Gagnon JF, & Montplaisir J. (2013). Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder as a .... Sleep medicine, 23058689.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23058689/
Postuma RB, Iranzo A, Hu M, Högl B, Boeve BF, Manni R, et al. (2019). Risk and predictors of dementia and parkinsonism in .... Brain : a journal of neurology, 30789229.
Q.
How does a sleep specialist diagnose REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?
A.
To diagnose REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), a sleep specialist uses a sleep study called a polysomnogram to observe unusual movements or behaviors during REM sleep.
References:
Neikrug AB, & Ancoli-Israel S. (2012). Diagnostic tools for REM sleep behavior disorder. Sleep medicine reviews, 22169258.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22169258/
Rodriguez CL, Jaimchariyatam N, & Budur K. (2017). Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder: A Review .... Chest, 28322726.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28322726/
Antelmi E, Lippolis M, Biscarini F, Tinazzi M, & Plazzi G. (2021). REM sleep behavior disorder: Mimics and variants. Sleep medicine reviews, 34186416.
Q.
How is melatonin used in the treatment of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?
A.
Melatonin is used to help manage REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) by reducing symptoms and improving sleep quality.
References:
Jung Y, & St Louis EK. (2016). Treatment of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder - PubMed - NIH. Current treatment options in neurology, 27752878.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27752878/
Aurora RN, Zak RS, Maganti RK, Auerbach SH, Casey KR, Chowdhuri S, et al. (2010). Best practice guide for the treatment of REM sleep .... Journal of clinical sleep medicine : JCSM : official publication of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 20191945.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20191945/
During EH, Malkani R, Arnulf I, Kunz D, Bes F, De Cock VC, et al. (2025). Symptomatic treatment of REM sleep behavior disorder .... Sleep medicine, 40408791.
Q.
How is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) different from sleepwalking?
A.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) involves acting out dreams during REM sleep, while sleepwalking occurs during non-REM sleep and involves walking or performing complex behaviors without awareness.
References:
Uguccioni G, Golmard JL, de Fontréaux AN, Leu-Semenescu S, Brion A, & Arnulf I. (2013). Fight or flight? Dream content during sleepwalking/sleep .... Sleep medicine, 23601752.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23601752/
Wills L, & Garcia J. (2002). Parasomnias: epidemiology and management. CNS drugs, 12421114.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12421114/
Poryazova R, & Bassetti CL. (2007). [Sleep and movement disorders]. Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique, 17221827.
Q.
Is it dangerous to try to wake someone during an REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) episode?
A.
Waking someone during an REM Sleep Behavior Disorder episode is not dangerous, but it might be difficult and could cause confusion or agitation.
References:
Roguski A, Rayment D, Whone AL, Jones MW, & Rolinski M. (2020). A Neurologist's Guide to REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. Frontiers in Neurology, 7360679.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7360679/
Sobreira-Neto MA, Stelzer FG, Gitaí LL, Alves RC, Eckeli AL, & Schenck CH. (2023). REM sleep behavior disorder: update on diagnosis and .... Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, 10756822.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10756822/
Trotti LM. (2010). REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder in Older Individuals. Drugs & aging, 2954417.
Q.
Is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) linked to alcohol or substance use?
A.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) can be linked to alcohol and substance use, as suggested by research.
References:
Chakraborty R, Biswas T, Mishra BR, & Parmar A. (2024). Acute REM sleep behaviour disorder associated with .... Drug and alcohol review, 38287722.
Q.
Is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) more common in older adults?
A.
Yes, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is more common in older adults.
References:
Trotti LM. (2010). REM sleep behaviour disorder in older individuals - PubMed. Drugs & aging, 20524706.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20524706/
Ju YE, Larson-Prior L, & Duntley S. (2011). Changing demographics in REM sleep behavior disorder. Sleep medicine, 21317035.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21317035/
Zhang X, Sun X, Wang J, Tang L, & Xie A. (2017). Prevalence of rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder .... Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, 27770275.
Q.
What are the typical behaviors seen during an REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) episode?
A.
During an REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) episode, people may act out their dreams with movements like punching, kicking, or jumping out of bed, which can be quite vigorous and sometimes aggressive.
References:
Manni R, Terzaghi M, & Glorioso M. (2009). Motor-behavioral episodes in REM sleep behavior disorder .... Sleep, 19238811.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19238811/
Cochen De Cock V. (2013). Recent data on rapid eye movement sleep behavior .... Sleep medicine, 23021864.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23021864/
Fantini ML, Corona A, Clerici S, & Ferini-Strambi L. (2005). Aggressive dream content without daytime .... Neurology, 16217051.
Q.
What causes the loss of normal muscle paralysis during REM sleep?
A.
Loss of normal muscle paralysis during REM sleep can happen due to problems in the brain areas that control muscle tone, causing a condition called REM sleep behavior disorder.
References:
Boeve BF, Silber MH, Saper CB, Ferman TJ, Dickson DW, Parisi JE, et al. (2007). Pathophysiology of REM sleep behaviour disorder ... - PubMed. Brain : a journal of neurology, 17412731.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17412731/
Luppi PH, Clément O, Sapin E, Gervasoni D, Peyron C, Léger L, et al. (2011). The neuronal network responsible for paradoxical sleep .... Sleep medicine reviews, 21115377.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21115377/
Peever J. (2011). Control of motoneuron function and muscle tone during .... Archives italiennes de biologie, 22205591.
Q.
What home safety measures should be taken for someone with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?
A.
For someone with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), make the bedroom safe by removing sharp objects, padding furniture, and securing windows.
References:
Matar E, McCarter SJ, St Louis EK, & Lewis SJ. (2021). Current Concepts and Controversies in the Management of .... Neurotherapeutics, 8116413.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8116413/
Trotti LM. (2010). REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder in Older Individuals. Drugs & aging, 2954417.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2954417/
Sobreira-Neto MA, Stelzer FG, Gitaí LL, Alves RC, Eckeli AL, & Schenck CH. (2023). REM sleep behavior disorder: update on diagnosis and .... Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria, 10756822.
Q.
What is the connection between REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) and neurodegenerative diseases?
A.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is linked to an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease and dementia. It often appears years before these diseases are diagnosed.
References:
Galbiati A, Verga L, Giora E, Zucconi M, & Ferini-Strambi L. (2019). The risk of neurodegeneration in REM sleep behavior .... Sleep medicine reviews, 30503716.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30503716/
Gagnon JF, Postuma RB, Mazza S, Doyon J, & Montplaisir J. (2006). Rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder and .... The Lancet. Neurology, 16632313.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16632313/
Zanigni S, Calandra-Buonaura G, Grimaldi D, & Cortelli P. (2011). REM behaviour disorder and neurodegenerative diseases. Sleep medicine, 22136901.
Q.
What role does a polysomnography play in diagnosing REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?
A.
Polysomnography is a key tool in diagnosing REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) by recording sleep patterns and detecting abnormal movements during REM sleep.
References:
Salsone M, Arabia G, Manfredini L, Quattrone A, Chiriaco C, Vescio B, et al. (2019). REM-Sleep Behavior Disorder in Patients With Essential .... Frontiers in neurology, 31068885.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31068885/
Manni R, Terzaghi M, Pacchetti C, & Nappi G. (2007). Sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease: facts and new .... Neurological sciences : official journal of the Italian Neurological Society and of the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology, 17235427.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17235427/
Gunter KM, Brink-Kjaer A, Mignot E, Sorensen HBD, During E, & Jennum P. (2023). A Spectral Vision Transformer for the Detection of REM .... IEEE journal of biomedical and health informatics, 37402190.
Q.
What role does clonazepam play in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) treatment?
A.
Clonazepam is commonly used to help treat REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) by reducing abnormal movements during sleep.
References:
Ferri R, Marelli S, Ferini-Strambi L, Oldani A, Colli F, Schenck CH, & Zucconi M. (2013). An Observational Clinical and Video-Polysomnographic .... Sleep medicine, 23098778.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23098778/
Olson EJ, Boeve BF, & Silber MH. (2000). Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder. Brain : a journal of neurology, 10648440.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10648440/
Poryazova RG, & Zachariev ZI. (2005). REM sleep behavior disorder in patients with Parkinson's .... Folia medica, 16152765.
Q.
Why do people act out their dreams in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?
A.
In REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), people act out their dreams because the brain fails to keep the body still during REM sleep, allowing dream movements to occur.
References:
Blumberg MS, & Plumeau AM. (2016). A new view of "dream enactment" in REM sleep behavior .... Sleep medicine reviews, 26802823.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26802823/
Postuma RB, Gagnon JF, & Montplaisir JY. (2012). REM sleep behavior disorder: from dreams to .... Neurobiology of disease, 22019718.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22019718/
Dauvilliers Y, Schenck CH, Postuma RB, Iranzo A, Luppi PH, Plazzi G, et al. (2018). REM sleep behaviour disorder. Nature reviews. Disease primers, 30166532.
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