Acting Out Dreams?3 Details to Bring to a Sleep Visit

If someone tells you that you kicked or shouted while asleep, ask them to describe what happened. You may be worried about sharing a bed, but the account belongs in a healthcare visit, especially if either person was hurt.

Three details for the clinician

1. What did the other person observe? Record movements, shouting and any fall or injury. People with RBD may be unaware of the behavior until a bed partner describes it. Ask whether that person can contribute to the visit.¹
2. What do you remember on waking? People with RBD can often recall dream details and wake alert. Include what you remember, without assuming that a vivid dream alone establishes the diagnosis.¹
3. What medicines and other sleep symptoms need review? Certain antidepressants can be associated with RBD, and sleep apnea can mimic it. Bring your medication list and any observed breathing interruptions. The clinician may arrange an in-lab video sleep study.¹

Review the sleeping space now

The AASM guideline emphasizes reducing injury risk: remove dangerous bedside objects, move or pad sharp furniture and use a soft surface beside the bed to reduce harm from falls. Severe, uncontrolled dream enactment may require separate sleeping arrangements. Discuss a safety plan with the clinician.²

Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. The guideline notes that decisions about stopping a potentially contributing medicine depend on the medicine and the patient.²

Ask for the next assessment step and the follow-up plan. Keep the observed episode separate from guesses about what it means.

Did I Do That in My Sleep? covers concerns such as nighttime waking and snoring. Use it to explore the sleep questions you want to discuss with your clinician. See the book.