REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

Treatment

Mayo Clinic doctors trained in nervous system conditions (neurologists), mental health conditions (psychiatrists) and sleep disorders treat REM sleep behavior disorder and related conditions.

Your treatment may include:

• Physical safeguards. Your doctor may recommend you make changes in your sleep environment to make it safer, including padding the floor near the bed, placing barriers on the side of the bed and moving the bed away from the window.
• Medications. Your doctor may prescribe a tranquilizer to treat your condition. This medication often reduces or eliminates your REM sleep behavior disorder symptoms. Clonazepam may cause side effects, including daytime sleepiness, decreased balance and worsening of a sleep disorder (sleep apnea). Your doctor may prescribe a dietary supplement (melatonin) either alone or with clonazepam, which may help reduce or eliminate your symptoms. Doctors continue to study several other medications that may treat REM sleep behavior disorder. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment option for you.