what is RBD?
RBD (rapid eye sleep behavior disorder) is the violent acting out of dreams. This may include shouting, punching and other violent movements. This takes place during REM sleep when dreams occur. Ordinarily, during this phase of sleep, the body is paralyzed to prevent this acting out of dreams and to prevent injury to the dreamer or to others. However, in RBD, for some reason, there is no paralysis.RBD is usually seen in men over 60. However, there are cases in younger people and in women. The cause is, as yet, undetermined. [p
What Is REM Sleep?
Sleep spirals through several different stages that cycle several times throughout the sleep period.- Stage 1: During the first stage of sleep, drowsiness occurs. The eyes close, but the person in easily aroused.
- Stage 2:During this stage, the body temperature drops and heart rate slows. The muscles alternate between tense and relaxed. Arousal becomes a bit more difficult.
- Stages 3 and 4: These final stages take the person into the deep, restorative sleep that helps the body and mind repair the ravages of the day. Stage 4 is a deepening of the sleep achieved in Stage 3. During these last two stages, it is difficult to arouse the sleeper. These four stages are designated as non-REM stages.
- Stage 5: REM sleep. This is the dreaming stage of sleep characterized by the rapid movement of the eyes, as though the sleeper is actually watching his or her dreams unfold. This is the stage of sleep when the body is normally paralyzed. In those suffering from RBD, this protective paralysis is absent.
Safety and Treatment
RBD patients should assure the safety of themselves and bed partners by keeping the bedroom safe. Keep the area around the bed free of movable objects. Keep the room free of weapons, even something as innocuous as a nail file. Lock windows and doors, and sleep in a separate bedroom, if necessary.
Talk to your doctor about a referral to a sleep specialist who can follow up on your condition. One medication that has been used to treat RBD with varying results is clonazepam.
