RBD Not So Extreme In My Case

(USA)

I am a 32 year old female. I've had this all of my life as far as I can tell. My first college roommate was a sweetheart to put up with my talking, flailing, sitting up in bed, etc.

Subsequent boyfriends and my husband have made me more aware of how it manifests itself. Mostly, I'll talk in my sleep, sometimes coherently and about complex things, like math equations (I studied a lot of higher maths in college, BTW), or telling people to "stop that!" or related phrases like "no!".

I flail in my sleep, can't have water glasses on the bedside table, the clock goes over the side many nights. Which is annoying when I wake up wondering what time it is, only to discover the clock on the floor in pieces. Sometimes when I awake, my entire body is tense when I wake up and I'm tired from the exertion. Or I've "redecorated" and got up and moved the bedside table to a different position.

I was shooting a movie in a remote location with my husband and we decided to sleep on opposite sides of the bed than we usually do. I woke up in the morning upside down in bed, looking at my husband's feet. I guess I had gotten up and "righted" my position in my sleep.

The things I do in my sleep sometimes scare me, even though they're not that extreme, they make me feel like I don't have control over my own body and mind.

My father, at 70, was recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and I worry about what my RBD might have to do with getting that later on. They've connected the two in studies.

So, I just hope mine does not worsen or I become violent. I know there are worse cases than mine. I take my vitamins, get enough exercise and eat healthy and hope for the best.

I'm also trying to get into a sleep clinic to find out more. Knowledge is power!

In parting, one thing that I do notice is that I tend to flail more or talk more when I'm having more stress in my life. So, for anyone suffering, it does help to do some stress management before bedtime. Meditation, reading a book, (not a spy novel, thank you!) something relaxing, a hot bath, can sometimes help with my symptoms. Every little bit counts.

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Kevin: Thanks so much for sharing your story, and your wise words. "Knowledge is power!" You are absolutely right, and I wish you all the best in your quest to understand your body. Will you let us know if you find anything that's further of use to you? Best wishes!

Warmly,
Kevin

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