Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder: Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

Diagnosis

Various conditions are very similar to Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) in that sufferers exhibit excessive sleep movement and potentially violent behavior. Such disorders include Sleep Walking and Sleep Terrors, which are associated with N-REM sleep, Nocturnal Seizures, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) which can induce arousals from REM sleep associated with complex behaviors.

Because of the similarities between the conditions, polysomnography plays an important role in confirming or otherwise a diagnosis for RBD or some other sleep disorder. A Polysomnogram is a device that continuously records the brain waves and a number of other nerve and muscle functions during nighttime sleep, the results of which can be used to detect and distinguish between a range of possible sleep disorders.

Complications / Issues

The main complication and issue related toe Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) is injuries to either the RBD sufferer or their bed partner.

Treatment below can successfully reduce and even eliminate the chances of RBD related complications and issues.

Random Sleeping Tip

A very big problem that a lot of people go through with sleep is that they have TV in their bedroom and that just keeps them up late at night watching the programs. If this is affecting your sleep patterns, then you must take an immediate action and remove the TV from your room so that you are able to make your bedroom a place that is meant solely for sleeping. You will see that by taking this step you will be able to sleep early and will have a good night sleep.

Treatment

Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a treatable condition.

The standard therapy is the anti-convulsant drug clonazepam, and works well in restoring REM Atonia (muscle paralysis) during REM sleep in RBD sufferers. How this drug works to restore REM Atonia is unclear, however it is thought to suppress muscle activity, rather than directly restoring atonia.

Prevention

The chances of developing Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Disorder (RBD) can be reduced by avoiding the causes and triggers for RBD, such as brain injuries, drug and alcohol addiction, and so on.

If the RBD is caused, triggered, or aggravated by existing medical condition(s), then treatment of these conditions can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of RBD.

In addition, treating the RBD can prevent or reduce the onset of the symptoms, especially in severe cases.

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