What is REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)? - Medical News Today
Treatment for REM sleep behavior disorder
REM behavior disorder can usually be treated successfully, through the use of medication and by adapting sleep habits.
Medication
Depending on the symptoms, a number of medications have proven effective in cases of RBD.
Low doses of clonazepam, from the benzodiazepine class of drugs, can help in about 90 percent of cases. These drugs suppress muscle activity and relax the body during sleep.
If the patient does not respond to clonazepam, some antidepressants or melatonin may help to reduce violent behavior.
Caution has been urged in the use of clonazepam, especially for people who also have dementia, gait disorders, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleep hygiene
Ways of improving sleep habits include adopting a predictable sleep-wake cycle to avoid sleep deprivation and avoiding alcohol consumption.
The following strategies can help to keep a patient and their sleeping partner safe:
Use a mattress on the floor, place cushions around the bed, or place the bed against a wall
Consider installing padded bedrails
If the sleeper gets up at night, they should sleep on the ground floor, if possible
Keep furniture and sharp objects away from the bed
Remove potentially dangerous objects from the room.
Since RBD may be a precursor for neurodegenerative disorders, such as dementia and Parkinson's, it is a good idea to consult a neurologist if a person experiences symptoms.
As signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease may not appear for over 10 years after the onset of RBD, the patient should have regular follow-up checks.
Prognosis for REM sleep behavior disorder
In time, the movements involved in RBD may become more violent, so it is important to seek medical advice.
If no cause can be identified, the symptoms can be controlled with drugs and there are usually no complications.
However, if there is an underlying neurological disease, the prognosis will depend on that disease
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