Overview

If you have symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), it’s important to see a healthcare provider. They’ll ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. If you have a bed partner or housemates, your provider will likely want to ask them questions about your sleeping behavior.

Your provider will also perform a physical exam and a neurological exam. They may refer you to a sleep specialist.

To receive a diagnosis of REM sleep behavior disorder, you’ll undergo an in-lab video sleep study — or polysomnogram (PSG). Sleep studies are tests that record specific body functions during sleep, such as your:

  • Heart rate.
  • Breathing rate and airflow.
  • Brain wave activity.
  • Eye movements.
  • Muscle movements of your chin and upper extremities.

According to the International Classification of Sleep Disorders, a diagnosis of RBD requires all of the following:

  • You have repeated episodes of sleep-related vocalization and/or complex movement behaviors.
  • The behaviors are documented by a sleep study (polysomnography) and occur during REM sleep or can be assumed to happen during REM sleep based on your clinical history.
  • The sleep study shows that you experience REM sleep without atonia (muscle paralysis).
  • You don’t have seizure-related activity during REM sleep.
  • The sleep disturbances aren’t better explained by another sleep disorder, medical condition or mental health condition. They’re also not caused by medication side effects or substance use disorder.
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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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