REM Behavior Disorder

[livingwith]

My husband has had sleep “episodes” on and off for 25 years. He is 43 years old. After a little internet research, it sounds like a classic case of REM Behavior Disorder. During these sleep episodes, he kicks, flails, and flys out of bed, trying to attack an imagined intruder. It always occurs within the first 1-1/2 hours of sleep at night. These episodes have become more frequent, scaring both of us (he flies over me to get to the doorway). It would very helpful to know if there...Read the full article

[concernedmom04]

This sounds exactly like my son. He is scheduled for a medical evaluation with a sleep specialist but I was wondering if you have learned anything more on the subject (I don't see any replies to your story here).

[llmh45]

My husband & I have been married for 33 years. My husband is 53 years old. His mother said that as a tiny infant he has never slept well. I really don't think he has ever had a GOOD night's sleep. The last 5 years have been the worst. At one point 3 years ago I had been hit one too many times in the night. I started doing research to try to find out if this was some type of sleep disorder or he just didn't like me! He has all the symptoms of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. He fights, hits, yells, walks, sits up & sometimes hurts himself. (Punching the head board or granite top of the night stand often!) I am a light sleeper so I am able to wake him when he starts his nightly episodes! I am also able to wake him and to avoid being hit most of the time. A king size bed with a pillow between us has helped tremendously!

I had read where St Johns Wart was to help...it did nothing for him. I just ordered "RestAid" on line. I think we'll give that a try. I read about it on a website www.weknowsleep.com. I have asked him several times to go to a sleep clinic but that is something he is not willing to do. He doesn't like to take medicine..they all have side affects in his mind. RestAid is all natural...so I'm hopefull that he will give it a try. I will write back to let you know if indeed it works.