Do you find yourself acting out your dreams or moving around in your sleep? You may be experiencing REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a condition that disrupts typical sleep and can lead to vivid, sometimes dangerous movements during dreaming. At The Sleep Medicine Institute in Tampa, Florida, Lara Wittine, MD, FAASM, provides expert evaluation and treatment to help restore safe, restful sleep. Book an appointment by phone or online today as a step toward better nights and greater peace of mind.
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a sleep condition in which a person physically acts out their dreams during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. Normally, your body becomes temporarily paralyzed during REM sleep, keeping you from moving while dreaming. In RBD, the paralysis doesn’t occur, allowing you to move, talk, or even shout during dreams.
The movements can range from gentle twitches to forceful actions that may result in injury to you or your sleeping partner.
The symptoms of RBD often involve dream-enactment behaviors that happen during the second half of the night, when REM sleep is most active.
Common signs include:
Unlike sleepwalking, which occurs during non-REM sleep, people with RBD typically awaken easily and are aware of their surroundings immediately after an episode.
The exact cause of RBD isn’t fully understood, but several factors play a role. RBD often links to neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, or multiple system atrophy, which affect the brain areas that regulate muscle activity during sleep.
Certain medications, particularly antidepressants, can also trigger or worsen symptoms. In other cases, alcohol or substance withdrawal may temporarily lead to RBD-like behaviors as the body adjusts.
Sometimes, there’s no clear cause identified, which is known as idiopathic RBD. However, research suggests that idiopathic cases may be early indicators of neurological changes that can develop years later.
At The Sleep Medicine Institute, Dr. Wittine’s treatment for RBD aims to improve sleep safety and reduce your symptoms. Key strategies include:
Remove sharp objects, pad furniture corners, and place cushions near the bed.
Dr. Wittine may prescribe medicines, such as clonazepam or melatonin, to calm nighttime movements.
Dr. Wittine may recommend management for neurological disorders, as needed, or adjustments to your medications to help reduce episodes.
If you or your partner notice unusual movements or talking during sleep, book an appointment at The Sleep Medicine Institute today by calling the office or scheduling online.