Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
09:06
Manipulation of Epileptiform Electrocorticograms (ECoGs) and Sleep in Rats and Mice by Acupuncture
Published on: December 22, 2016
Dream-enactment behaviors without REM sleep without atonia
Giuseppe Lanza1,2, Maria P Mogavero1, Giovanni Sorte3
1Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit, Department of Neurology and Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, via C. Ruggero 73, 94018, Troina, Italy.
Summary
Dream-enactment behaviors (DEB) without REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) present a distinct clinical profile from isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). DEB without RSWA show preserved REM atonia and fewer neurodegeneration markers, highlighting diagnostic heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is characterized by dream-enactment behaviors (DEB) and REM sleep without atonia (RSWA).
- Clinically reported DEB without RSWA poses diagnostic challenges and has unclear significance regarding prodromal neurodegeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare clinical and polysomnographic features of patients with iRBD and DEB without RSWA.
- To clarify the clinical significance of DEB without RSWA in relation to prodromal neurodegeneration.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records and polysomnography from a tertiary sleep and neurology center.
- Included 26 patients with iRBD, 21 with DEB without RSWA, and 24 controls.
- Analyzed clinical features, neuroimaging, sleep architecture, REM atonia, limb movements, and respiratory parameters.
Main Results:
- iRBD patients were older with more extrapyramidal signs, lower cognitive performance, and greater vascular neuroimaging abnormalities compared to DEB without RSWA.
- Both groups showed increased sleep fragmentation, most pronounced in iRBD.
- REM atonia robustly differentiated the groups; periodic limb movements and respiratory disturbances did not differ significantly after age adjustment.
Conclusions:
- DEB without RSWA have a distinct clinical and polysomnographic profile compared to iRBD, with preserved REM atonia and fewer markers of prodromal neurodegeneration.
- These findings underscore the heterogeneity of DEB and support characterization beyond conventional REM sleep behavior disorder diagnostic criteria.
Keywords:
Dream-enactment behaviorsParasomniasPolysomnographyProdromal neurodegenerationREM sleep behavior disorderREM sleep without atoniaMore Related Videos
08:20Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
06:23A Chronic Sleep Fragmentation Model using Vibrating Orbital Rotor to Induce Cognitive Deficit and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Young Wild-Type Mice
Published on: September 22, 2020
Related Concept Videos
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
3.3K
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:
3.3K
01:15Subconsciousness and No Awareness
840
The concept of subconscious awareness refers to the processing of information below the level of conscious thought, which significantly influences both behaviors and decisions. It is also known as waking subconscious awareness. This complex level of cognition operates without the direct awareness of the individual, facilitating rapid and simultaneous handling of multiple information streams.
An illustrative example of subconscious processing is its role in problem-solving. Often, individuals...
An illustrative example of subconscious processing is its role in problem-solving. Often, individuals...
840
01:22Stages of Sleep
1.7K
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...
1.7K
01:17Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
1.5K
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...
1.5K
01:15REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
2.6K
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...
2.6K
01:07Narcolepsy
788
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.
788