REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) is a type of sleep disorder that involves abnormal behaviour and movements during the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep stage. During normal REM sleep, the body is typically paralyzed, which prevents physical activities during vivid dreaming.
However, in people with RBD, this paralysis does not occur, leading to physical movements, vocalizations, and even acting out of dreams during sleep. Research showed that among middle- and older adults in rural South Africa, 6.5% had poor sleep quality.
Vocalizations during sleep: People with RBD may make noises such as screaming, shouting, or conversing while sleeping. These noises could be associated with the subject of their dreams.
Physically acting out dreams: People with RBD may bodily act out their hallucinations while sleeping during the REM period. Punching or kicking are examples of this.
Injuries while sleeping: Due to the bodily motions connected with RBD, individuals with this condition may sustain injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or fractured bones.
Violence: People with RBD may sometimes show violent or hostile behaviour during sleep, which can be risky to themselves and their bed companions.
Sleep problems: People with RBD may have disrupted sleep habits, such as getting up frequently during the night or feeling fatigued during the day.
Vivid and intense dreams: People with RBD often experience vivid and intense dreams, which can be scary or unsettling.
Memory problems: In some cases, memory problems or cognitive decline may develop due to RBD.
Medication: Certain medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, have been associated with RBD. These medications can affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate sleep and dreaming.
Neurological conditions: Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, and Lewy body dementia are among the neurological disorders to which RBD is frequently linked.
Substance abuse: Abuse of drugs and alcohol, especially sedatives, can interfere with the brain’s ability to control sleep and raise the risk of RBD.
Age: Older people are more likely to have RBD, and getting the condition gets riskier as you age.
Brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries have been linked to RBD, as they can affect the brain’s ability to regulate sleep and dreaming.
Genetics: Some evidence points to a hereditary component of RBD, with some genetic mutations raising the chance of the condition.
Medical professionals typically use sleep analysis to diagnose Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD), in which the patient’s brain activity, track eye movements, and muscular action are monitored while sleeping. Hence, this can aid in identifying the specific physical movements and vocalizations linked with RBD. Additional testing may be needed to rule out or identify underlying neurological diseases.
Complications of RBD can include injuries to the person with the disorder or their partner, as well as disruptions to sleep patterns and quality of life. People diagnosed with RBD may experience anxiety and depression due to the condition.
Evidence suggests that RBD may be a risk factor for developing neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. It is essential to seek medical attention if RBD is suspected, as proper diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Treatment options for REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) may include medications that suppress muscle activity during sleep, such as clonazepam. Changing the sleeping surroundings, such as removing items that could cause injury during physical motions, may also be beneficial. Treating underlying neurological conditions contributing to RBD may help relieve symptoms in some instances.
Preventing RBD is not always possible, as some risk factors, such as age and genetics, cannot be controlled. However, avoiding substance abuse and minimizing the use of medications associated with RBD may help reduce the risk of developing the disorder.
It is also essential to seek medical attention if symptoms of RBD are suspected, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.