REM behavior disorder

REM Behavior Disorder

REM Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder that involves abnormal behavior during the REM phase of sleep. It's characterized by the loss of normal voluntary muscle atonia during REM sleep, leading to physical activity potentially related to the ongoing dream content.

Pronunciation

• /ɑːr iː ɛm biːˈheɪvjər dɪsˈɔːrdər/

Etymology

The term "REM Behavior Disorder" is derived from the phrase "Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder". The term "Rapid Eye Movement" refers to the stage of sleep where dreaming typically occurs, and the eyes move rapidly. The term "Behavior Disorder" refers to the abnormal behaviors that occur during this stage of sleep in individuals with this disorder.

Symptoms

People with REM Behavior Disorder may act out their dreams, which can include talking, yelling, punching, kicking, sitting, jumping from bed, arm flailing, and grabbing. The dreamer may be awakened or may wake the bed partner during these episodes.

Causes

The exact cause of REM Behavior Disorder is unknown, but it may be associated with certain neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy. Some medications and alcohol withdrawal can also trigger symptoms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of REM Behavior Disorder is based on the patient's clinical history and a polysomnography test, which records brain waves, oxygen level in your blood, heart rate and breathing, as well as eye and leg movements during the study.

Treatment

Treatment for REM Behavior Disorder may include medications such as clonazepam and melatonin, and making changes to create a safe sleep environment.

Related Terms

• Sleep disorders
• Rapid Eye Movement (REM)
• Parkinson's disease
• Lewy body dementia
• Multiple system atrophy
• Polysomnography
• Clonazepam
• Melatonin

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on REM behavior disorder
• Wikipedia's article - REM behavior disorder

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