A little-understood sleep disorder affects millions and has clear links to dementia – 4 questions answered

REM sleep behavior disorder is characterized by acting out dreams, which may include shouting, kicking and punching during sleep.

By: Anelyssa D'Abreu, University of Virginia, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 11, 2026

Words: 992

Last Updated: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

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By Anelyssa D'Abreu, University of Virginia

A little-known and poorly understood sleep disorder that occurs during the rapid eye movement, or REM, stage of sleep has been garnering attention for its role in foreshadowing neurodegenerative brain diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The disorder, known as REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD in the medical field, affects around 1% of the general population worldwide and about …

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