How is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) different from sleepwalking?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) and sleepwalking are two distinct parasomnias that occur during different stages of sleep. RBD happens during REM sleep, when a person physically acts out vivid dreams—often through kicking, punching, or shouting—because the normal muscle paralysis of REM sleep is absent. Sleepwalking, by contrast, occurs during non-REM (deep) sleep and involves walking or performing complex behaviors while unaware, with no memory of the event afterward.

If you or a loved one are experiencing unusual nighttime behaviors, understanding the cause is the first step toward better sleep and safety. Both RBD and sleepwalking can signal underlying health conditions that benefit from early evaluation. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your symptoms and confidently navigate your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if your nighttime movements are sleepwalking Discover likely causes of unusual dream enactment See whether symptoms suggest REM sleep behavior disorder Find OTC options for sleep-related injury prevention Find a doctor for parasomnia evaluation Discover medically valid home remedies for sleepwalking Understand if your symptoms need urgent care

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) and sleepwalking are both sleep disorders, but they happen at different times during the sleep cycle and involve different behaviors.

RBD: This disorder happens during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of sleep, which is when we usually dream. People with RBD might move their arms and legs or even get out of bed because they are acting out their dreams. This can sometimes be dangerous for them or others around them.
Sleepwalking: This happens during the non-REM stages of sleep, usually in the first part of the night. People who sleepwalk might walk around or do other activities while still asleep. They usually don't remember what they did when they woke up.

Both conditions involve unusual behaviors during sleep, but they occur at different times and involve different kinds of actions. If you or someone you know is experiencing these issues, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and understand when to seek medical care.

(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.
Wills L, & Garcia J. (2002). Parasomnias: epidemiology and management. CNS drugs, 12421114.
Poryazova R, & Bassetti CL. (2007). [Sleep and movement disorders]. Therapeutische Umschau. Revue therapeutique, 17221827.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.