Dreaming or Doing? Why Your Body Doesn't "Shut Off" at Night

If you've ever woken up confused after acting out dreams in your sleep and hitting things, you're not alone. Many people experience some form of sleep disruption, but when your body moves, talks, kicks, punches, or even falls out of bed while you're dreaming, it can feel alarming.

Sleep is supposed to be a time when your body rests. So why does it sometimes seem like your brain and muscles are still "on"?

Let's break down what's normal, what's not, and when it may be time to look closer.

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What Normally Happens During Sleep?

Sleep isn't one long, quiet state. It cycles through different stages, including:

• Light sleep
• Deep sleep
• REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep

REM sleep is the stage where most vivid dreaming happens. During REM sleep:

• Your brain is highly active.
• Your eyes move rapidly beneath your eyelids.
• Your body enters a temporary state of muscle paralysis (called REM atonia).

This muscle paralysis is protective. It prevents you from physically acting out your dreams.

In most people, the brain and body stay in sync. You dream—but your body remains still.

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When the Body Doesn't "Shut Off"

If you're acting out dreams in your sleep and hitting things, something may be interfering with that normal muscle paralysis.

This can lead to:

• Punching or kicking
• Yelling, shouting, or talking
• Jumping out of bed
• Falling or injuring yourself or a partner
• Movements that match the dream's storyline

This type of sleep disruption is not the same as occasional tossing and turning. It is often linked to a condition called REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD).

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What Is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder is a sleep condition where the body fails to stay paralyzed during REM sleep. As a result, a person may physically act out their dreams.

Dreams associated with RBD are often:

• Intense
• Action-filled
• Defensive or violent (for example, being chased or attacked)

The movements are usually not random. They often match the dream.

For example:

• If you dream you're being attacked, you might punch.
• If you dream you're running, your legs may kick.
• If you dream you're shouting, you may yell in real life.

This form of sleep disruption acting out dreams in my sleep and hitting things is more common in:

• Adults over age 50
• Men (though women can have it too)
• People with certain neurological conditions

However, it can occur at younger ages, especially if triggered by medications or other factors.

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Is It Dangerous?

It can be.

While some episodes are mild, others can lead to:

• Bruises
• Cuts
• Head injuries
• Broken bones
• Injury to a bed partner

Even if you haven't been seriously hurt, recurring episodes should not be ignored.

Importantly, RBD has been associated in medical research with certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. Not everyone with RBD develops these conditions—but long-term monitoring is important.

This is why proper evaluation matters.

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What Else Could Cause Acting Out Dreams?

Not all nighttime movement is RBD. Other causes of sleep disruption include:

1. Night Terrors

• More common in children
• Occur during deep (non-REM) sleep
• Person may scream or appear terrified
• Usually no memory of the event

2. Sleepwalking

• Also happens in non-REM sleep
• Movements are not usually tied to vivid dreaming

3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea

• Breathing repeatedly stops and starts
• Can cause sudden movements or gasping

4. Medications

Certain drugs, especially:

• Antidepressants
• Withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives

These can interfere with normal REM muscle paralysis.

5. Stress and Sleep Deprivation

Lack of sleep and high stress levels can worsen many types of parasomnias (sleep-related behaviors).

Because symptoms overlap, a sleep specialist may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to confirm what's happening.

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Signs You Should Take Seriously

Occasional movement during sleep is common. But you should consider medical evaluation if:

• You frequently act out dreams.
• You've injured yourself or someone else.
• Your movements are forceful or violent.
• Your bed partner feels unsafe.
• You remember vivid dreams that match your movements.
• The problem is getting worse over time.

Ignoring persistent sleep disruption acting out dreams in my sleep and hitting things can increase injury risk.

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What You Can Do Now

While you're figuring out the cause, safety comes first.

Make Your Sleep Space Safer

• Remove sharp or breakable objects near the bed.
• Move nightstands away from the bed.
• Consider padding the floor.
• Secure windows.
• If necessary, sleep separately until evaluated.

These steps are protective—not permanent solutions.

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Consider a Symptom Check

If you're experiencing these nighttime episodes and want to better understand what might be happening, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behavior Disorder symptom checker to evaluate your symptoms in just a few minutes and get personalized insights before your doctor's visit.

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How Is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Treated?

The good news: treatment is available and often effective.

Common approaches include:

1. Medication

Doctors may prescribe medications such as:

• Melatonin
• Clonazepam

These can reduce or eliminate episodes in many patients.

2. Adjusting Medications

If antidepressants or other drugs are contributing, your doctor may adjust the dose or switch medications.

3. Treating Underlying Conditions

If RBD is linked to a neurological disorder, managing that condition is important.

Early evaluation allows doctors to monitor for any associated conditions over time.

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Why You Shouldn't Ignore It

It's easy to dismiss nighttime behavior as "just stress" or "just dreaming." But when your body is physically acting out dreams, that's a signal worth listening to.

RBD can:

• Increase injury risk
• Disrupt relationships
• Affect sleep quality
• Serve as an early warning sign of neurological changes

Addressing it early doesn't mean something terrible is happening. It means you're being proactive about your health.

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When to Speak to a Doctor

You should speak to a doctor if:

• You are repeatedly acting out dreams.
• You've hurt yourself or someone else.
• Your symptoms are worsening.
• You have other neurological symptoms (such as tremors, stiffness, memory changes, or balance problems).
• You experience severe sleep disruption that affects daily functioning.

If there is any concern about serious or potentially life-threatening conditions, seek medical attention promptly. A sleep specialist or neurologist may recommend a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis.

Do not self-diagnose based on internet research alone.

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The Bottom Line

Your body is supposed to "switch off" during REM sleep. When that protective paralysis fails, you may experience sleep disruption acting out dreams in my sleep and hitting things.

This is not simply "restless sleep." It may be REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, a real and treatable condition.

The key points to remember:

• Acting out dreams is not normal.
• Repeated or violent episodes should be evaluated.
• Treatment is available.
• Early medical input matters.
• Safety adjustments at home can reduce injury risk.

You don't need to panic—but you also shouldn't ignore it.

If you're concerned, start by reviewing your symptoms, consider completing a free online symptom check, and most importantly, speak to a qualified healthcare professional. Your sleep—and your safety—are worth it.