Acting out dreams, or “REM Behavior Disorder” (RBD) is a common, but poorly understood sleep disorder. Normally, when we enter dream sleep, we lose muscle tone and become paralyzed. Only the diaphragm and eye muscles are able to move. This is nature’s way of preventing us from acting out our dreams. Unfortunately, people with REM Behavior Disorder actually act out and move in their dreams. They may talk or yell, and their arms or legs may move. RBD is more common in older men, those on medications such as antidepressants and anti psychotics, and those with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. However, it can be seen in anyone, at any age, and can be potentially dangerous to the individual or the bed partner. In REM Behavior Disorder, the dream content tends to be violent. Frequently, the bed partner moves out of the bedroom for fear of being injured. Those with RDB usually have no idea of what they are doing and no control over it. Fortunately, REM Behavior Disorder can be diagnosed and treated by starting with having a sleep study performed.
Acting Out Dreams
