REM Behavior Disorder

[Phoenix]

I've joined this forum in the hope that someone might have some advice or at least have had some experiance with what Im about to talk about. My flatmate has over the past 6months or so developed some seriously disturbing sleeping behaviour.
When completely asleep to the point where you can not wake them (believe I've tried everything from shouting, shaking, cold water) they have begun to (what I assume is) act out their dreams where (from what theyve said whilst sleeping and their behaviour, I guess) theyre being attacked in some way, but instead of sleep walking or anything similar they punch themselves repeatedly in the head with shocking force, to the point where two others can barely restrain them. Such force infact that theyve given themselves blackeyes and frequently has welts to the head and face. Having to fetch ice from the freezer has become something of a regular occurance.

This is very distressing to see, the obvious solution would be to wake them when this behaviour starts but this proves near impossible everytime. I have literally had to sit with them and physically restrain them with such force Ive been equally worried about dislocating a shoulder as I have been about them punching themselves (as when restrained they thrash around in an attempt to break free) And literally just wait for them to wake of their own accourd.

They refuse point blank to see the doctor or anything similar maintaining that itll pass eventually. Im certain the reluctance to see anyone professional stems from a deep fear of hospitals. But watching them literally beat themselves up a couple of nights a week is awful.

Does anyone have any experiance of this, or know why this might be happening? Have any suggestions as to what to do? Or even tips on waking them, as I have literally exhausted everything I can think of? Short of buying boxing gloves to minimise the damage they can do with a fist, I really am at a loss as to what to do.
If its at all relavent they are legally an adult, though still young.

Phoenix

[ozarkgirl]

Hi Phoenix, I am new to this so not sure how much I can help. I think it would bother me if I had a room mate who was doing this stuff, yet they wouldn't see a doctor. Maybe this person is afraid of the stigma associated. I would do a search and check the "causes" section. A lot of things can cause more frequent episodes.....a large amount of stress, drinking, fever or illness, and some medications. I hope you get things worked out.
I just figured out last week that I am a sleepwalker, (I have lived alone for years so heck how would I know)? I woke up one morning and I had a large bowl out in the kitchen and all my spices were out of the cupboard too. hahaha! Looks like I am the Julia Childs of the sleepwalkers. I wish you the best.
Ozarkgirl