When learning about this connection , many people , understandably , are concerned about what the future may hold . But many also say it helps them take positive steps to care for themselves and their brains as best they can .
What you can do :
+ See a sleep doctor If you act out your dreams , a sleep specialist can determine why . RBD is one cause for talking , yelling or moving during sleep , but there are others . Each condition has a different treatment and prognosis . Try to visit a brain doctor ( neurologist ) who specializes in sleep as these doctors know about both brain and sleep conditions . Ask your primary doctor for a recommendation or referral .
Testing often involves an overnight sleep study , which monitors your brain and muscle activity while you sleep . If you have RBD , your physician can prescribe medications , such as melatonin or clonazepam , and suggest strategies for safer sleeping . These may include sleeping on a low bed or mattress on the floor , in a sleeping bag , or separately from your partner , just until symptoms are controlled . You also may want to move potentially hazardous objects , such as lamps , away from your bed or outside your room .
Learn more and join at michaeljfox . org / ppmi-study .
+ Meet with a doctor who specializes in movement disorders Some people find it helpful to visit a doctor who has expertise and experience in diagnosing and treating Parkinson ’ s and related conditions , called a movement disorder specialist . This type of physician can talk with you about the link between RBD , Parkinson ’ s and other conditions ; examine you for signs of brain disease ; and connect you with the latest research . You can locate a specialist by searching online .
The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society maintains a directory at movementdisorders . org / MDS / Resources / Patient-Resources / Movement-Disorders- Specialist-Directory-Listing . htm
+ Contribute to research People who act out their dreams can help researchers learn not only about sleep and brain health but also about disease . Studying why some people with RBD get Parkinson ’ s and others do not is a critical step on the path toward preventing PD . People with RBD can point researchers to the earliest signs of disease in the body and brain . And knowing these signs could lead to tests to diagnose the disease earlier and more accurately and to treatments to stop disease from coming on at all .
The Parkinson ’ s Progression Markers Initiative ( PPMI ) study , which aims to prevent Parkinson ’ s , gathers data from people with and without PD . PPMI volunteer Brian Duggan , who lives with RBD , has said , “ I am very grateful for the chance to contribute to important research . I am hopeful that my participation in PPMI can , over time , lead to true scientifically proven cures and prevention strategies .” PPMI is now enrolling people with REM sleep behavior disorder .
IF YOUR LOVED ONE ACTS OUT DREAMS
When you share a bed with someone , how well they sleep can impact how well you sleep . If your loved one acts out their dreams , you may understand this all too well . In a survey , the majority of bed partners of people with REM sleep behavior disorder ( RBD ) said that their loved one ’ s symptoms disturbed their sleep . More than half said they ’ d been physically injured by movements . People typically aren ’ t aware of acting out dreams when they are doing it , so bed partners often are the first to notice . And it can be genuinely frightening and risky to continue sharing a bed with your loved one under these circumstances . No one wants to be awakened in the middle of the night by their partner yelling or thrashing or , even worse , forcibly kicking or punching .
If your loved one acts out dreams , try not to panic . Avoid the urge to turn to the Internet , as general information about disordered sleep can be misleading , unhelpful or even alarming . Rather , seek out a doctor who specializes in sleep medicine ( ask your primary doctor for a referral or search online for someone in your area ) and attend the appointment together . Bed partners hold valuable information that can help doctors correctly diagnose and treat sleep troubles . The doctor will ask questions to gain a general idea of how often dream acting happens , what it looks like , and whether either of you has been hurt as a result . They ’ ll also be interested in how easy it is to wake your loved one when they ’ re dreaming and what they do upon awakening . Bring a list of your loved one ’ s medications , including over-the-counter ones , and note any that are new or that recently changed .
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