Which disorder features dream enactment behaviors during sleep due to loss of normal muscle atonia?

Which disorder features dream enactment behaviors during sleep due to loss of normal muscle atonia?

• A. Substance induced disorders
• B. REM sleep behavior disorder
• C. Opioids
• D. Detoxification

Answer: (B)

Dream enactment during sleep caused by loss of normal muscle atonia points to REM sleep behavior disorder. Normally, during REM sleep the body experiences atonia, a natural paralysis that prevents acting out dreams. When this atonia is incomplete or absent, people physically act out dreams, sometimes moving, talking, or even striking, which can lead to injury to themselves or a bed partner. This phenomenon is most often seen in older adults and can be idiopathic or associated with neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, or multiple system atrophy. Management emphasizes safety to prevent injury and often includes treatment with low-dose clonazepam or melatonin. Other options listed don’t describe this specific loss of REM atonia and its consequence, so they don’t fit as well.

Dream enactment during sleep caused by loss of normal muscle atonia points to REM sleep behavior disorder. Normally, during REM sleep the body experiences atonia, a natural paralysis that prevents acting out dreams. When this atonia is incomplete or absent, people physically act out dreams, sometimes moving, talking, or even striking, which can lead to injury to themselves or a bed partner. This phenomenon is most often seen in older adults and can be idiopathic or associated with neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, or multiple system atrophy. Management emphasizes safety to prevent injury and often includes treatment with low-dose clonazepam or melatonin. Other options listed don’t describe this specific loss of REM atonia and its consequence, so they don’t fit as well.