Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder: Past, present, and future
Birgit Högl1, Isabelle Arnulf2,3, Melanie Bergmann1
1Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.
Journal of Sleep Research
|April 26, 2022
Summary
This review details REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD), covering its history, pathophysiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. It highlights European research contributions to understanding and managing this neurological condition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is a parasomnia characterized by the acting out of dreams.
- Understanding the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of RBD is crucial for diagnosis and management.
- European researchers have significantly contributed to the study of RBD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD).
- To emphasize the historical development and European contributions to RBD research.
- To discuss current knowledge on pathophysiological, clinical, and diagnostic aspects of RBD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on REM sleep behaviour disorder.
- Synthesis of historical data and current research findings.
- Highlighting contributions from European scientific community.
Main Results:
- RBD involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria for RBD are well-defined.
- European research has advanced the understanding of RBD biomarkers and implications.
Conclusions:
- REM sleep behaviour disorder is a significant clinical entity with ongoing research.
- European contributions have been pivotal in advancing RBD knowledge.
- Further research into RBD biomarkers and therapeutic strategies is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
439
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...
RBD is significantly associated with...
439
Sleep-Wake Cycles
1.8K
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:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
1.8K
Narcolepsy
209
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.
209
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
340
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...
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...
340
Stages of Sleep
619
Sleep progresses through distinct stages, each characterized by specific brain wave patterns and physiological responses ranging from wakefulness to stages of non-rapid eye movement, known as non-REM, to rapid eye movement, referred to as REM. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing how sleep supports various bodily and cognitive functions.
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
Before sleep begins, in wakefulness, the brain exhibits primarily beta waves, which are high in frequency and low in amplitude, indicating alertness...
619
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
272
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs due to uncomfortable sensations. These sensations typically occur during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and can severely disrupt sleep.
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
272


