RBD Sleep Disorder: Violent, Dramatic Dreams In Sleep

One of the more troubling sleep disorders involves acting out of dramatic and often violent dreams during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleeping. This condition is called RBD sleep disorder. This disturbance manifets itself with shouting and grunting along with motor activity that mimics sleepwalking or another condition known as periodic limb movement disorder. The latter, however does not occur during REM sleep.

While it can happen to younger people, RBD sleep disorder is more likely to show up in men over 60 years of age. This condition is the subject of many family anecdotes, and may often not reach the ears of those that matter most – doctors. It has thus led to inexact statistics relating to such incidences. In fact, it was first described in 1986, but there is no sure known cause why such a condition arises.

In the Rapid eye movement stage of sleep patterns reveals brain activity similar to wakefulness which can be recorded by polysomnography and certain other sleep tests. It is shown that RBD sleep disorder does occur while there is rapid eye movement sleep. Another characteristic of this condition is a state of atonia or muscle paralysis, and the body is still, but the brain is extremely active.

RBD sleep disorder does not produce daytime sleepiness unlike other sleep problems with which it may be associated in a given patient. Some of these disorders include sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder as well as narcolepsy. It will also cause the bed partner to be awoken, which is how the patient will become aware of such a condition.

It is not a Mental Condition

RBD sleep disorder should not be confused with psychiatric disorder and patients do not have a mental problem. Though it is most often found to affect men, and is uncommon in women and children. It is believed that less than one per cent of the population suffers from this condition. People more advanced in age are most prone to this disease and anyone with a neurological disorder may also be afflicted.

People suffering from Parkinsons disease are much more susceptible to RBD sleep disorder (it is estimated to be up to 33 percent). Also, it is present in 90 per cent of patients diagnosed with multiple system atrophy. Unfortunately, RBD sleep disorder grows worse over time. Thus, there is a need for ongoing consultation with a medical sleep specialist to manage the risk to the patient and their sleeping partners.

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