[livingwith]

My husband has REM disorder. He won’t go to the doctor because he says it’s hogwash and he doesn’t believe in it. I moved out of our bedroom 2 years ago after he attacked and nearly slugged me in the face in an act of self defense. He didn’t know he was doing that until I woke him up. My question is this… if he kills me in one of these REM episodes after I have told him of the dangers and he refuses to get help, can he be charged with murder because he was advis...Read the full article

[sleeplessincalif]

I don't know the legal issues that could occur if he were to harm you in a state of RBD...but I can tell you that my husband developed this condition when he was about 17. He has seen many many many neurologists and they have him on clonazepam (1 x before bed) and carbamazepine (3 x before bed). If he takes it consistantly he can go for weeks without having a problem. But we all know how hard it is to be consistent....so sometimes he forgets and will have as many as 10 to 15 episodes at night when he is falling asleep or in the morning before he is waking up.. We have had many many arguments over the fact that I don't like having to sleep next to someone and defend myself from being punched and kicked. It is horrible, he gets embarrassed which in turn makes him mad...I get mad because I know he has the potential to take the medication consistently and make it better (not perfect, but certainly 95% better)...I would recommend that your husband try to get treatment...It will make him feel better, its not a cure, but it does help alot when taken properly.