Which disorder is most closely associated with loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep, leading to physical activity during dreaming?

The correct answer is 'REM Sleep Behavior Disorder'

Key Points

• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder:
  • REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the loss of normal muscle atonia (paralysis) during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
  • This loss of muscle atonia leads to physical activity and movement during dreaming, which can result in the person acting out their dreams, sometimes violently.
  • People with RBD may talk, shout, punch, kick, or leap out of bed while in REM sleep, potentially causing injury to themselves or their sleeping partners.
  • This disorder is often linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Additional Information

• Narcolepsy:
  • Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by overwhelming daytime drowsiness and sudden attacks of sleep.
  • It is often accompanied by cataplexy, which is a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions.
  • Narcolepsy does not involve loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep; rather, it is a condition affecting sleep-wake regulation.
• Insomnia:
  • Insomnia is a sleep disorder where individuals have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restorative sleep.
  • It does not involve physical activity during dreaming or loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep.
  • Insomnia is more about the quality and duration of sleep rather than specific activities during sleep.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS):
  • RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually due to uncomfortable sensations.
  • Symptoms typically occur during periods of inactivity or rest, particularly in the evening and night.
  • RLS does not involve the loss of muscle atonia during REM sleep or physical activity during dreaming.