Do I Have Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder?

Do you experience repeated episodes of arousal during sleep associated with vocalization and/or complex motor behaviors (e.g., punching, kicking, running movements)?

Do these behaviors arise during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and therefore usually occur during the later portions of the sleep period and uncommonly occur during daytime naps?

Upon awakening from these episodes, are you completely awake, alert and not confused or disoriented?

Do you experience REM sleep without atonia (muscle weakness) on polysomnographic recording?

Do you have a history suggestive of REM sleep behavior disorder and an established synucleinopathy diagnosis (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy)?

Do the behaviors cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning (which may include injury to self or to your bed partner)?

Is the disturbance not attributable to the effects of a substance (e.g., drug abuse, medication) or another medical condition?

Can you confirm that coexisting mental and medical disorders do not explain the episodes?

Based on your answer, it is unlikely that you have rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder.

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder.

While it is unlikely that you have rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, you are displaying some signs related to it. People who suffer from REM sleep behavior disorder act out on their dreams. During REM sleep, however, people normally experience a paralysis of the body. The disorder often gets worse over time. If you are worried about your symptoms and you want to understand what the underlying cause may be, it may be useful to plan a visit to your doctor.

While it is unlikely that you have rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, you are displaying several signs related to it. It may be important to seek medical help. REM sleep behavior disorder comes with additional complications, such as social isolation, causing injuries to yourself or your partner or causing stress to your partner. Your doctor may review your medical history and ask you about your symptoms. Your doctor may want to conduct a physical and neurological exam to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. The doctor may also want to interview your partner about your sleeping behaviors and may recommend a polysomnogram (overnight study in sleep lab).

Unfortunately, you are displaying symptoms typically seen among individuals who have rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. It is essential to plan a medical visit as soon as possible. Your doctor may give you advice, such as making your sleep environment safer for you and your partner. Your doctor may recommend you to use padding on the floor near the bed, removing sharp objects from the bedroom and locking rooms and windows and may prescribe melatonin or clonazepam to help reduce your symptoms. The difference between both medications is that clonazepam may cause some side effects, while melatonin is often well-tolerated.