Thursday, 19 June 2014
Symptoms of Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder is characterized by
repeatedly waking up after REM sleep, which may include vocalizations or
complex motor behaviors. The “complex motor behaviors” are in reaction to
events occurring in one’s dream state, and are often called “dream enacting
behaviors.” For instance, a person might move one’s arms in a fighting manner,
because of fighting that is occurring within one’s dream. Other behaviors might
include running, punching, thrusting, hitting, kicking, or falling out of bed
due to physical movements.
This is a rare disorder and occurs in less than 0.5 percent of
the population.
Specific Symptoms of Rapid Eye
Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder
1. Repeated episodes of arousal during sleep, associated with
vocalization and/or complex motor behaviors.
2. These behaviors arise during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
and therefore usually occur more than 90 minutes after sleep onset. They are
more frequent during the later portions of the sleep period. While they may
occur during daytime naps, it is uncommon.
3. Upon awakening from these episodes, the individual is
completely awake, alert and not confused or disoriented.
4. Either of the following:
- REM sleep
without atonia on polysomnographic recording.
- A history
suggestive of REM sleep behavior disorder and an established
synucleinopathy diagnosis (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, multiple system
atrophy).
5. The behaviors cause clinically significant distress or
impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning
(which may include injury to self or the bed partner).
6. The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological
effects of a substance or another medical condition.
7. Co-existing mental and medical disorders do not explain the
episodes.
