REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM sleep behavior disorder is one of the most dramatic sleep disorders. People with the disorder thrash around in bed, responding physically and sometimes violently to their dreams.

Normally, people in REM sleep do not move their arms and legs. People with REM sleep behavior disorder can harm themselves or their bed partner by flinging their arms and legs about.

When REM sleep behavior disorder occurs suddenly, it is usually caused by intoxication with or withdrawal from alcohol or a prescription drug. Long-term REM sleep behavior disorder can be caused by drugs (such as fluoxetine or venlafaxine), stroke, tumor, Parkinson's disease, dementia, and other serious brain disorders. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

Treatment consists of identifying and treating the cause, if there is one. A low dose of a benzodiazepine, usually clonazepam, taken at bedtime can be very effective.