Causes of REM-Behaviour Disorder
During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, the brain experiences vivid dreams involving motion and issues corresponding commands to run, kick, jump, punch, etc.. Normally, neurons in the brain disconnect much of our muscular apparatus so that we are effectively paralysed and these commands are countermanded before muscles can translate them into action. However, with REM-Behaviour Disorder, this does not occur.
Definition of REM-Behaviour Disorder (RBD)
REM-Behaviour Disorder (RBD) is characterized by physically acting out dreams while asleep. Although usually idiopathic and tending to affect older males, it has been associated with a variety of primary neurological diseases, most notably narcolepsy and parkinson?s disease. The impressive oneiric (dream) behavior displayed by RBD patients is frequently misdiagnosed as seizures or psychiatric disorders. Treatment with clonazepam is very effective.