REM sleep behavior disorder
Also written as: RBD — REM sleep behavior disorder
Parasomnia characterized by loss of normal muscle atonia during REM sleep, causing patients to act out their dreams.
Full Definition
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia involving the absence of normal muscle paralysis during rapid eye movement sleep, allowing patients to physically enact their dreams. This condition typically affects older adults and is strongly associated with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. Patients may exhibit complex motor behaviors during sleep, including talking, shouting, punching, or kicking, often resulting in injury to themselves or bed partners. RBD is diagnosed through polysomnography showing elevated chin muscle tone during REM sleep combined with a clinical history of dream enactment behaviors.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize REM when referring to rapid eye movement sleep. Often abbreviated as RBD.
In Context
- "The patient's history of violent dream enactment behaviors raised suspicion for REM sleep behavior disorder." — Sleep disorder consultation note
- "Polysomnography confirmed REM sleep behavior disorder with elevated chin EMG during REM episodes." — Sleep study report