REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

People who suffer from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) act out their dreams. Most of us have no muscle tone during REM, the dream stage of sleep. This lack of muscle tone prevents us from moving during our dreams. Some people retain that muscle tone during REM sleep and therefore, act out their dreams. They physically move limbs or even get up and engage in activities associated with waking. Some talk, shout, scream, hit, punch, or fly out of bed while sleeping! RBD is usually noticed when it causes danger to the sleeping person, their bed partner, or others they encounter. Sometimes the person or a bed partner can sustain an injury. Fortunately, RBD can usually be treated successfully.

Because a number of parasomnias may be confused with RBD, it is necessary to conduct formal sleep studies in order to establish a diagnosis.