In a nutshell, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder is described as physically acting out dreams. While some dreams are pleasant, more often than not they are violent, and being chased or attacked.
The dreamer often reacts in self defense by screaming, yelling, hitting, grabbing, punching, kicking, jumping out of bed or other actions. However, walking, eating, drinking, sexual activity or going to the bathroom are NOT usual symptoms of REM sleep disorder.
If you suspect yourself, or someone you love of having REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, here are some symptoms to look out for:
- If awakened, the dreamer can usually recall the dream and the accompanying behavior. If the dreamer is not awakened, they will usually remain unaware that an episode has occurred.
- While the frequency of dreams varies, REM sleep behavior disorder usually occurs once a week.
- REM sleep usually occurs towards morning, so REM sleep behavior disorder usually happens later in the night.
Because episodes of REM sleep behavior disorder are frequently violent, a partner
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder must be diagnosed by a specialized clinician to ensure that it is REM sleep disorder and not another sleep behavior disorder, which may be treated differently.
