Fact 15. The Impact of RBD on Public Health
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder, while not as widely known as some other sleep disorders, has significant implications for public health. From direct health outcomes related to the disorder itself to indirect effects associated with its links to neurodegenerative diseases, RBD poses substantial challenges to healthcare systems and societies worldwide.
Firstly, RBD itself can lead to serious injuries due to the violent movements during sleep. These injuries can range from minor bruises to fractures and even severe head injuries, leading to considerable morbidity and healthcare costs.
Secondly, the association of RBD with neurodegenerative diseases adds another dimension to the public health impact of the disorder. Given that RBD may precede the onset of conditions like Parkinson’s disease by several years, it could potentially serve as an early warning sign, allowing for earlier interventions and possibly better prognosis for these diseases.
Thirdly, RBD can significantly impact quality of life, leading to physical and emotional distress, social isolation, and impaired functioning in daily life. These effects can lead to increased healthcare utilization, lost productivity, and substantial societal costs.
Public health strategies to address RBD, therefore, need to encompass a range of interventions. These may include increasing public and professional awareness about the disorder, improving access to diagnostic and treatment services, and funding research to advance our understanding of RBD. (15)
