Parasomnias related to REM sleep

Description

Parasomnias related to REM (rapid eye movement) sleep are characterised by experiences or behaviours such as vocalization or complex motor behaviours, sleep paralysis, or nightmares that are associated with REM sleep. The experiences are sufficiently severe to result in significant distress or significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning or significant risk of injury to the individual or to others. [1]

Subcategories

• 7B01.0 REM sleep behaviour disorder

  REM sleep behaviour disorder is characterised by repeated episodes of sleep related vocalization or complex motor behaviours that are either documented by polysomnography to occur during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep or are presumed to occur during REM sleep due to a clinical history of dream enactment. Polysomnographic recording (when performed) demonstrates REM sleep without atonia. The disorder may occur as an isolated, idiopathic form but is frequently associated with latent or manifest disease of the nervous system, especially alpha-synucleinopathies. Note: A provisional diagnosis may be established on clinical grounds but definitive diagnosis requires polysomnographic demonstration of REM sleep without atonia. [1]

• 7B01.1 Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis

  Recurrent isolated sleep paralysis consists of recurrent inability to move the trunk and all of the limbs at sleep onset (hypnagogic) or upon awakening (hypnopompic) from sleep. Episodes typically last from a few seconds to a few minutes and cause clinically significant distress including bedtime anxiety or fear of sleep. [1]

• 7B01.2 Nightmare disorder

  Nightmare disorder is characterised by recurrent, vivid and highly dysphoric dreams, often involving threat to the individual, that generally occur during REM sleep and that often result in awakening with anxiety. The person is rapidly oriented and alert upon awakening. [1]

References

1. World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision, for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (ICD-11 MMS), 2026-01 release. World Health Organization; 2026.

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