Connect
← Return to My husband has REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)
Discussion
My husband has REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)
Sleep Health | Last Active: Nov 7 12:29am | Replies (62)Comment receiving replies
My husband is having some sleep issues and refuses to go to the doctor for a proper diagnosis. His issues started about 5 years ago when he started having unusual movements in his sleep. In the beginning, it was rhythmic clenching and unclenching of his hands on and off throughout the night. This progressed to jerking movements of his entire body and even falling out of bed a few times. Over the past couple of years, he has had nightmares usually having to do with fighting off intruders, dogs, or wild animals. While body movements happen nightly, the bad dreams perhaps happen 3-5 times per month. A few times, he hit me in his sleep believing that I was the intruder. I have researched these symptoms on the internet and they seem to be common symptoms in people with Parkinson's. He rarely snores and he has long periods of quiet throughout the night so I suspect when body movements and nightmares that he acts out occur, he is in a REM sleep stage. I had stopped sleeping with him out of fear of being injured and only returned to our bed when he agreed to try Melatonin. I had shared with him that I had researched his behaviors and they seemed to point to RBD and that some people with RBD had found Melatonin helpful. I actually viewed a webinar on Michael J Fox's Parkinson's website and the doctor in the webinar spoke about Melatonin and how it is considered a safe supplement to use. Melatonin has toned down his episodes but has not eliminated them. I don't know what to do as he refuses to seek help, Honestly, he doesn't think anything is wrong and thinks it's comical as he typically is unaware of his own behavior. I also do not feel comfortable telling him what I think he has--RBD and perhaps even Parkinson's and/or dementia related--Lewy Body. Has anyone else experienced body movements and nightmares where they act out their dreams? Have you been diagnosed? What medications have been effective for you?
Replies to "My husband is having some sleep issues and refuses to go to the doctor for a..."
The first place to start is with a sleep study. Melatonin has been working well for my father as an aide to his sleep. After you determine when the movements are occurring, REM or NonREM, you can get the best treatment. Movement during your REM stage can be a very serious issue.
Hello there, My husband started having the REM sleep disorder right after we were married. I believe he was about 45 to 50 at the time. He used to punch me and kick me in the bed. He also would get up out of bed and fall out of bed too all in his sleep. I urged him to go to his doctor here at the Mayo clinic and after a sleep study they diagnosed him with the REM sleep disorder. There is a medicine for it but its addictive and it works somewhat but not the best.I had to leave the bedroom which he did not like and to this day is not happy about.He is 65 now and I will be 69 in a few months. He is now shuffling along and he falls backward easily. He has tremors in his hand and feet. He literally has been in the bed for 5 years and has a poor outlook on life. He said his doctor told him he was fine. He did not have parkinsons. I hate tosay it but I know he does. I have to do everything for him. I mean everything. He no longer can take out the garbage. He cannot help me with anything around the house and the only enjoyment he gets is that his little pomeranian adores him and ssleeps with him. Do I call his doctor??? What do I do??? I keep praying about it!
Connect
My husband was diagnosed 21 years ago, after a sleep study confirmed RBD. A sleep specialist will prescribe a drug (my husband takes clonazepam) PLUS 15 mg. of melatonin. Sounds like alot, but the melatonin is titrated to the amount of the prescribed drug. It seems to be the right combination for him. After many episodes, similar to the ones you have mentioned, we have been in separate bedrooms for years, and I certainly sleep better that way! After 20 years of having RBD, he was finally diagnosed with Parkinson's. At this time, he is doing well.