Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Shouting and Kicking in Your Sleep? You Might Have THIS Surprising Disorder

wikitree Views  

Humans spend approximately one-third of their lives asleep. Inadequate sleep can lead to decreased concentration, impaired memory, and emotional instability. If you find yourself shouting or kicking during sleep, you may be experiencing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD).

Image illustrating the article. / S K TU MAI-shutterstock.com
Image illustrating the article. / S K TU MAI-shutterstock.com

RBD, characterized by rapid eye movement, accounts for 20-25% of total sleep time. People typically experience 5-7 REM cycles per night, during which most dreaming occurs.

This stage of sleep is crucial for processing daily mental activities. While the body rests, the brain remains active. Insufficient RBD can result in memory deficits, anxiety, and depression.

RBD is a condition in which muscle paralysis fails during sleep, causing individuals to carry out the actions in their dreams. It’s more prevalent in older adults and men and is sometimes called “elderly sleep-acting.”

Unlike sleepwalking, which involves simple actions during non-RBD, this disorder often involves enacting violent dream scenarios.

Severe cases can lead to shouting or thrashing limbs, potentially causing harm to the individual or their bed partner. Reported injuries range from bruises and abrasions to rare instances of fractures and brain hemorrhages.

While the exact cause remains unclear, experts believe it may involve dysfunction in the brainstem’s motor control. The disorder is associated with neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Studies suggest that individuals with this disorder face an increased risk of developing dementia. Vocalization or limb movements during dreams may indicate declining brain function.

The prevalence of RBD in Korea is 2.01%, and there are also research results showing that 1 in 10 Koreans (15.9%) aged 50 to 80 are in the pre-RBD stage.

Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough medical history, followed by polysomnography if necessary. This comprehensive sleep study evaluates brain waves, muscle activity, and breathing patterns. Electromyography often reveals increased muscle tone during RBD and abnormal behaviors.

While there’s no complete cure, treatment focuses on symptom management through medication adjustments. Given the potential progression to neurodegenerative diseases, early intervention is crucial for those experiencing symptoms.

Kim Jin Hee, head of the neurology department at Seran Hospital, explained, “If RBD and olfactory dysfunction occur together, you should receive treatment, including a sleep test, as soon as possible.”

“Active treatment is necessary not only for the safety of the person but also for the safety of those around you who sleep with you,” stated Yoon Ho-kyung, a professor of psychiatry at Korea University Ansan Hospital. “If you suffer from RBD, you may have poor sleep quality and severe depression,” he said.

wikitree
content@viewusglobal.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[LIFESTYLE] Latest Stories

  • How Long Does It Really Take to Recover from a Hangover?
  • Why the First Few Minutes of Exercise Feel Like a Struggle—and How It Benefits You
  • Rubbing Hands and Personality Changes: Lesser-Known Signs of Dementia
  • Elevated Amino Acids in Lungs Could Fuel Cancer Growth, New Study Finds
  • Sharp Stomach Pain Could Signal Acute Pancreatitis: Act Fast
  • How Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Memory Loss

You May Also Like

  • 1
    Volvo Trucks' Market Surge: Strong Sales in Europe, Brazil, and North America

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    Nikola’s Bankruptcy Drama: The False Ad That Derailed Its Path to Success

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Tesla’s Model Y Juniper: New Design, Enhanced Battery, and a 3% Range Boost

    BUSINESS 

  • 4
    Bentley Motors Opens Excellence Centre to Lead Development of Electric SUV

    BUSINESS 

  • 5
    Toyota's Hydrogen Future: New Fuel Cell System Promises Longer Range and Improved Durability

    BUSINESS 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Tesla Recalls 210,136 Vehicles in South Korea, Marking a 1,400% Surge

    DEBATE 

  • 2
    Genesis G80’s Super Bowl Ad Named One of the Decade’s Most Memorable

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Porsche's Taycan vs Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra: The New Rivalry Shaking the EV Market

    DEBATE 

  • 4
    Polestar 4 Takes Home ‘Design of the Year’ at Korea’s 2025 Car Awards

    BUSINESS 

  • 5
    How Volvo’s EX30 Electric SUV Is Revolutionizing EV Accessibility

    BUSINESS 

Must-Reads

  • 1
    Volvo Trucks' Market Surge: Strong Sales in Europe, Brazil, and North America

    BUSINESS 

  • 2
    Nikola’s Bankruptcy Drama: The False Ad That Derailed Its Path to Success

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Tesla’s Model Y Juniper: New Design, Enhanced Battery, and a 3% Range Boost

    BUSINESS 

  • 4
    Bentley Motors Opens Excellence Centre to Lead Development of Electric SUV

    BUSINESS 

  • 5
    Toyota's Hydrogen Future: New Fuel Cell System Promises Longer Range and Improved Durability

    BUSINESS 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Tesla Recalls 210,136 Vehicles in South Korea, Marking a 1,400% Surge

    DEBATE 

  • 2
    Genesis G80’s Super Bowl Ad Named One of the Decade’s Most Memorable

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    Porsche's Taycan vs Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra: The New Rivalry Shaking the EV Market

    DEBATE 

  • 4
    Polestar 4 Takes Home ‘Design of the Year’ at Korea’s 2025 Car Awards

    BUSINESS 

  • 5
    How Volvo’s EX30 Electric SUV Is Revolutionizing EV Accessibility

    BUSINESS 

Share it on...