What is RBD?

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, is a condition that causes people to act out their dreams, often with violent movements and vocalizations. According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with RBD may kick, punch, jump out of bed, yell, and laugh in their sleep, sometimes causing distress to their sleeping partner. 

It is estimated that approximately 1% of the general population and 2% of older adults have RBD.

While RBD may seem relatively harmless, researchers have discovered that it is often an early sign of future neurological problems. A large percentage of patients with RBD are later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, or multiple system atrophy.