Clínica VivaldiFree call

Home · Resources · Disorders A–Z · REM sleep behaviour disorder

Sleep-wake

REM sleep behaviour disorder

Sudden movements during sleep in which the person "acts out" their dreams (hitting, kicking, shouting), with a risk of injury. Requires neurological assessment.

Common signs

Punching or shouting while dreamingRemembers the dream if wokenMore common in people over 50

Tips

For you

  1. Assessment by a neurologist or at a sleep clinic
  2. Make the area around the bed safe
  3. Report any other neurological symptom

For family and friends

  1. Protect the bed: move objects away and pad the edges
  2. Sleep separately if there's a risk of being hit

When to ask for help

  1. See a neurologist or a sleep clinic
  2. If tremors or stiffness appear

Warning signs

List of warning signs. Tick "Yes" for the ones you have noticed. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Moves arms or legs forcefully while asleep
2. Shouts or talks while dreaming
3. Seems to "act out" their dreams
4. Has hurt themselves or hit their partner while asleep
5. If woken, remembers a violent dream
6. It happens in the second half of the night
7. Is over 50
8. Has noticed changes in sense of smell or movement

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveSpanish Sleep Society: information for patientsFree external resourceAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

InsomniaSleep-wakeHypersomnolence disorderSleep-wakeNarcolepsySleep-wakeObstructive sleep apnoeaSleep-wake

Would you like to talk it through with a professional?

Book a first appointment with our team of psychologists, in person in Valencia or online from anywhere in Spain. If you're not sure where to start, ask for a free guidance call.

Free callWhatsApp +34 611 07 74 69

Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.