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.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- 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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