These behaviors are most commonly associated withrapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder(RBD).
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What Is REM Behavior Disorder?
REM behavior disorder is a parasomnia that is associated with sleep behaviors that occur out of REM sleep.
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In this state, the muscles are usually paralyzed so that dream enactment cannot occur.
Those afflicted are typically middle-aged or older and are more commonly men.
There may be vocalizations such as laughing, talking, or yelling.
The movements are often associated with an associated dream, and the content can be recalled promptly upon awakening.
These dreams are often action-packed and may involve fighting off an attacker.
The precise content varies widely but the recalled dream corresponds closely with the observed action.
In some individuals, the other disorders may never fully manifest as death occurs due to other causes.
Though not all go on to develop the other associated conditions, they occur with a high frequency.
It is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis of the behaviors.
Other parasomnias may also manifest with movements during sleep.
Certain medications, including antidepressants and anticholinergics, may provoke sleep behaviors.
It may allow for research to prevent the later development of related neurodegenerative disorders.
In the future, early interventions may help to forestall these other diseases.
In the meanwhile, it is important to take appropriate safety precautions to prevent harm when the behaviors begin.
There are also effective treatments, including the use of higher doses ofmelatoninand the prescription medication called clonazepam.
