If someone screams and kicks while sleeping, it indicates a behavioral disorder occurring during REM sleep, which is also closely related to the risk of dementia.

 

REM sleep is a stage of sleep characterized by rapid eye movement. People typically experience 5 to 7 episodes of REM sleep during sleep, and when awakened during REM sleep, they usually report having been dreaming. REM sleep is a phase of sleep that consolidates mental activities during the day; the brain is not fully asleep but exhibits certain brain wave activities. It accounts for 20 to 25% of sleep and is a stage where dreams occur and relatively complex information is stored in the brain. Reduced REM sleep time can lead to decreased memory, anxiety, or depression. During REM sleep, muscles become paralyzed, breathing and heart rate become irregular, and rapid eye movements are observed.

REM sleep behavior disorder is a condition characterized by increased muscle tone, excessive movements related to dreams, and abnormal behaviors during REM sleep. It occurs more frequently in older individuals and males. Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder act out their dreams, which often involve confrontations, attacks, or being chased, sometimes violently.

 

As a result, it can cause falls from the bed and injuries, or even attack and injure a sleeping spouse. These sleep-related injuries have been reported to range from bruises and abrasions to rare cases of fractures and brain hemorrhages. REM sleep behavior disorder is a problem with the brainstem's control of muscle paralysis during REM sleep, which normally prevents movement while dreaming. It occurs frequently in the elderly and is also called "senile sleep talking."

 

There is also research indicating that people who talk or move during sleep are at higher risk of dementia. If someone talks or moves their limbs while dreaming, it indicates a weakening of the brain's function that controls the body. REM sleep behavior disorder is a sign that the brain is undergoing degenerative changes. According to a study by a research team at McGill University in Canada, observing REM sleep behavior disorder patients over 12 years showed that about 50% of them developed Parkinson's disease or dementia.

 

If there is violent behavior during sleep, a sleep study can be performed for diagnosis. A sleep study records multiple signals that appear in the body during sleep simultaneously, such as brain waves, safety, jaw electromyography, and snoring. Dr. Kim Jin-hee, a neurologist at Seran Hospital, said, "REM sleep behavior disorder is a condition where dreams experienced during sleep are acted out without the person realizing it. Sometimes, it can be accompanied by other brain disorders or psychiatric conditions," and added, "This disorder can pose a threat not only to the individual but also to their sleeping partner, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are necessary."

 

Manager Kim Jin-hee said, "REM sleep behavior disorder is a sign that the brain is undergoing degenerative changes, and when tracking patients, it is often observed that Parkinson's disease or dementia appears," and added, "If REM sleep behavior disorder and another sign of Parkinson's or dementia, such as a decline in olfactory function, occur together, I recommend undergoing a medical examination, including a sleep study."

 

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Shouting in sleep is caused by sleep paralysis or being pressed down.

I think I've seen it a lot...

 

Kicking. I've never seen this before.

 

I have never seen information about REM sleep disorder before.

I should take a close look.