Rem Sleep Behavior

Disorder REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia in which the person acts out their dreams while in the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) stage of sleep. Typically, movement and sound is made during RBD, disrupting the quality of sleep. As people age, RBD becomes more common, especially in people over 50 years of age. It can be a sign of other neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, and should be addressed by a medical professional. Treatment may include lifestyle adjustments (reducing alcohol intake, etc.), medications, or certain therapies. If left untreated, the disorder can become dangerous, as the person may engage in physical activities while asleep. This can lead to injury to the person or a bed partner. By seeking treatment, quality of sleep can improve and potential risks of accidents can be minimized.