REM behavior disorder is most commonly observed in which demographic?

REM Behavior Disorder (RBD) is most commonly observed in males over the age of 60. This demographic is significantly affected due to age-related neurological changes that may contribute to the development of the disorder. RBD is characterized by the enactment of dreams during the REM sleep stage, often leading to excessive movements, vocalizations, and sometimes aggression during sleep.

Research indicates that while RBD can occur in a broader age range and in both genders, the prevalence is notably higher among older males. Factors such as neurodegenerative diseases (like Parkinson's disease or dementia) are also more commonly diagnosed in this population, which may explain the higher incidence of RBD. Additionally, hormonal and physiological changes that occur with aging can impact sleep architecture and regulation, further increasing susceptibility to RBD.

In contrast, while children can experience oscillation in sleep patterns, conditions like RBD are relatively rare in younger populations. Females, although they can develop RBD, experience it at a lower frequency than males, especially in the older age bracket. The demographic of adults between 30 and 40 generally does not show the same level of association with RBD as seen in older males. Thus, the connection between RBD and older males is strongly supported by