REM Disorders, Hallucinations & Sleep Terrors

REM Disorders, Hallucinations & Sleep Terrors are sleep disorders that all involve unpleasant sleep episodes.

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder

REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, occurs when a person begins to physically act out a dream during the REM stage of sleep. These dreams tend to be unpleasant, action-filled or violent. Often the dreamer is being confronted, attacked or chased by a person or animal.

Hallucinations

Sleep-related hallucinations are detailed perceptual experiences that occur as a person falls asleep (hypnagogic) or wakes up (hypnopompic). The person has a realistic awareness of the presence of someone or something that really is not there. Hallucinations tend to produce feelings of fear or dread. Although primarily visual, they may involve sensations of sound, touch or movement.

Sleep Terrors

Sleep terrors, sometimes called night terrors, is a sleep disorder that occurs when a person sits up in bed with a loud scream or cry and a look of intense fear. Adults may jump out of bed and run and try to “get away”. The person tends to be unresponsive and will be confused and disoriented if awakened. Attempts to console the person may prolong or intensify the episode. There usually is no memory of the episode, although adults sometimes recall fragments of a dream. It tends to occur during the first third of the sleep period.

To find a physician in Memphis or Olive Branch that specializes in sleep disorders, please call 901.683.0044.