What is it?
When ones muscle are not at rest whilst asleep – this condition occurs during our dream phases during sleep.
The specific criteria for REM sleep behavior disorder from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) include the following:
- Recurrent episodes of arousal during sleep associated with vocalization and/or complex motor behaviors that arise during REM sleep
- On waking from these episodes, the individual is not confused or disoriented and is completely alert
- Either of the following is present: REM sleep without atonia on polysomnography recordings or a history suggestive of REM sleep behavior disorder and an established synucleinopathy diagnosis (eg, Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy)
- The episodes cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning, which may include serious injury to self or the bed partner
- The disturbance cannot be explained by the effects of a drug of abuse or medication
- The episodes cannot be attributed to another mental disorder or medical condition
Further diagnosis
- Routine medical history should include questions that screen for abnormal sleep movements and altered dreams.
- The presenting complaint is often violent dream-enacting behaviors during REM sleep, often causing self-injury or injury to the bed partner.
- The dream-enacting behaviors are usually nondirected and may include punching, kicking, leaping, crying out, or running from bed while still in REM sleep.
- The patient may be wakened or may wake spontaneously during an attack and vividly recall the dream that corresponds to the physical action.
- In some cases, an extended prodrome of prominent limb and body movements occurs before the development of REM sleep behavior disorder.
Symptoms
- Talking or screaming?
- Reaching?
- Punching?
- Kicking?
- Jumping or falling out of bed?
- Running?
- Striking furniture?
Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:
An important aspect of management of patients with REM sleep behavior disorder is environmental safety:
- Potentially dangerous objects should be removed from the bedroom.
- Mattress should be placed on the floor or a cushion should be placed around the bed.
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Behavior Disorder in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
- NHS
Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).
- Medscape
Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.
- Pharmaceutical Journal
The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.
- Healthline
Medical Information and health advice you can trust
- ChatGPT
Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.
- Medical News Today
Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.
- WebMD
Better Information. Better Health.
- Cleveland Clinic
Pushing the Standards of care.
- Mayo Clinic
No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)
- Drugs.com
Know more. Be sure.
- National Organisation of Rare Diseases
NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.
- Verywell Health
Know more. Fell better.
- Fit for Travel
Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.
- DR Axe
Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies
