REM Sleep Behavior Disorder FAQ’s

Who gets REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)?

REM sleep behavior disorder mostly occurs in men. It can appear at any age.

But it mostly occurs after 50 years age. Less than one percent occurs in women and children.

It appears mostly in the elderly people. RBD also occurs often in people with some neurological disorders.

It occurs at a higher rate in people who have one of the following conditions such as multiple system atrophy and Parkinson’s disease.

People with RBD are at higher risk for the sleep disorders such as periodic limb movement disorder, sleep apnea and narcolepsy. RBD can also be associated to other factors that increase the intensity of REM sleep such as stroke, alcohol withdrawal, use of certain medications, sleep deprivation and brainstem brain tumors. 

How do I know if I have REM sleep Behavior Disorder?

If your bed partner expressed worry about your abnormal behaviors while sleeping or if you have kicked, jumped, punched or shouted while you are sleeping or if you are doing some activities which resulted in an injury to you or your bed partner, then you might have REM sleep behavior disorder.

It is also important to know if there is something else that may be associated to REM behavior disorder such as the following:

• A neurologic condition such as Parkinson’s disease
• Medication use
• A medical condition
• Substance or alcohol abuse
• Another sleep disorder

When to Seek Medical Care?

When a person behaves unusually such as violent thrashing and kicking during sleep, then he should seek medical care.