Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Published on: November 25, 2025

Successful treatment of REM sleep behavior disorder with sodium oxybate

John M Shneerson¹

¹Respiratory Support and Sleep Centre, Papworth Hospital, Cambridge, England. john.shneerson@papworth.nhs.uk

Clinical Neuropharmacology

|June 2, 2009

Abstract

Objectives:

To identify the effectiveness of sodium oxybate in treating the rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD).

Methods:

Report of effectiveness of sodium oxybate in a patient with severe RBD who was unresponsive to all other standard medication.

Results:

The patient's severe symptoms had persisted unchanged for 5 years despite multiple drug treatments. They responded promptly to low-dose sodium oxybate treatment with video confirmation of cessation of physical activities during sleep. This improvement was maintained during 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusions:

These novel findings indicate that sodium oxybate should be considered in RBD when other treatments are ineffective or poorly tolerated. They also suggest that RBD and cataplexy may in part share a common pathophysiology.

More Related Videos

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Related Concept Videos

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.

Management of Insomnia

Management of Insomnia

The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

High prevalence of severe sleep cycle disruption in de novo acromegaly and underdiagnosis by common clinical screening tools: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study.

Clinical endocrinology·2023

'Distant socializing,' not 'social distancing' as a public health strategy for COVID-19.

Pathogens and global health·2021

Risk of Narcolepsy after AS03 Adjuvanted Pandemic A/H1N1 2009 Influenza Vaccine in Adults: A Case-Coverage Study in England.

Sleep·2016

Sleep deficits but no metabolic deficits in premanifest Huntington's disease.

Annals of neurology·2015

Pre-flight assessment in patients with obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)·2014

Sleep and circadian rhythm regulation in early Parkinson disease.

JAMA neurology·2014

See all related articles