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Published on: 11/20/2025
Can REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) be an early warning sign of neurological illness?
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) can be an early sign of neurological diseases like Parkinson's. It often appears years before other symptoms.
Wondering why RBD causes neurological concerns?
Explanation
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is when people act out their dreams while sleeping. This can include talking, yelling, or moving a lot. Research shows that RBD can be an early sign of neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease.
Key Points:
- Early Warning Sign: RBD can happen years before other symptoms of neurological diseases appear. This means that people with RBD might develop diseases like Parkinson's later on.
- Research Findings: Studies have shown that many people with RBD go on to develop Parkinson's disease or other similar conditions. This makes RBD an important warning sign.
- Why It Matters: Knowing about RBD can help doctors watch for other signs of neurological diseases early. This can help in planning treatments and managing the condition better.
If you or someone you know has concerns about sleep or neurological health, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider. For mental health concerns, visit 988lifeline.org.
(References)
- Postuma RB. (2014). Prodromal Parkinson's disease--using REM sleep behavior .... Parkinsonism & related disorders, 24262156.
- Postuma RB, Gagnon JF, & Montplaisir J. (2013). Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder as a .... Sleep medicine, 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.
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