Can REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) occur in younger adults or children?

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a condition where people act out their dreams during the REM stage of sleep. While it is more commonly seen in older adults, it can also occur in children. According to the research by Stores, children can experience this disorder, although it is not as frequent as in older populations.

Key Points:

• What is RBD?

  • During REM sleep, most people experience atonia, which means their muscles are temporarily paralyzed. This prevents them from acting out their dreams. In RBD, this paralysis doesn't happen, so people might move or talk in their sleep.

• Occurrence in Children:

  • Though less common, children can have RBD. It is important for parents to observe any unusual sleep behaviors in their kids, such as talking, yelling, or moving during sleep.

If you are concerned about sleep behaviors, it may be helpful to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. For any mental health concerns, you can visit 988lifeline.org.