Insomnia medication could treat acting-out-dream behaviour with fewer side effects

New Delhi, May 27 (PTI) Researchers have found sleep medications commonly used to treat insomnia, or difficulty falling and remaining asleep, to significantly reduce rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder.

The study findings suggested that these medications, known as dual orexin receptor antagonists, could also potentially cause fewer side effects.

REM sleep behaviour disorder is a condition, mostly affecting adults aged over 50, in which one often unknowingly physically acts out their dreams with vocal sounds or sudden, violent arm and leg movements during slumber, leading to significant injury to themselves or bed partners.