#65 - REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Wild Night Is Calling

Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter

We have touched upon REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) in many episodes of the podcast, but it's never been the star. An individual acting out their dreams can be distressing, and understanding the disorder has many layers. In this episode we will:

• Describe the features of RBD and what it clinically looks like
• List the characteristics of the disorder and how it fits into the parasomnia family
• Review the incidence based upon age
• Differentiate primary (idiopathic) from secondary RBD
• Touch upon conditions that mimic RBD and why differentiating these is important
• Review treatment options
• Discuss the relationship between a diagnosis of idiopathic RBD and its predictive value related to neurodegenerative disorders
• Outline how clinicians should handle the sensitive nature of this condition when speaking to patients

Produced by: Maeve Winter
More

• Twitter: @drchriswinter
• IG: @drchriwinter
• Threads: @drchriswinter
• Bluesky: @drchriswinter
• The Sleep Solution and The Rested Child

Thanks for listening and sleep well!