REM Sleep Disorder
Last updated: December 2021
Home > Information & Support > Adults > Sleep Disorders >What is REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder?
Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is a normal stage of sleep when we dream – and usually don’t move.
But REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia when you physically act out vivid, action-filled, often unpleasant dreams by shouting, screaming, punching, kicking, arm flailing and jumping from bed. It can result in injury for themselves or who they share a bed with.
RBD tends to be gradual and episodes may occur occasionally or several times a night. The disorder often worsens with time. You must see your GP if you think you suffer from RBD.
Symptoms of REM Sleep Behaviour include:
- Sudden violent arm and leg movements and vocal sounds
- Being able to recall the dream if woken during the episode
- Disrupting the sleep of a bed partner who express concerns over sleeping behaviour
Who is at risk:
- Males and over 50s
- Those with a certain type of neurodegenerative disorder such as Parkinson’s disease and Multiple system atrophy
- Narcolepsy sufferers
- Those taking certain medications
- Withdrawing from alcohol and drug dependency
Treatment of REM Sleep Behaviour:
- Physical safeguards include making changes to sleep environment to ensure its safe such as removing potentially dangerous objects from the room, placing padding/cushions around the bed, bed rails and sleeping separately from a bed partner
- Medication such as melatonin and clonazepam (Klonopin)