Sleep Conditions > REM Sleep-Related Sinus Arrest > (Sleep Conditions Home or All Sleep Conditions)

REM Sleep-Related Sinus Arrest

Description

A cardiac rhythm disorder characterized by sinus arrest during REM sleep in an individual who is otherwise healthy is called REM sleep-related sinus arrest. This condition is produces relatively no symptoms, therefore it is often not diagnosed and there is relatively little data on the subject.
Although it is possible for people of other ages to have this condition, all of the documented cases have been in young adults. People with this condition may complain of occasional heart palpitations as well as chest tightness; upon awakening, might feel faint, light headed, or have blurred vision. This occurs because of repeated periods of asystole, or the absence of the electromechanical activity within the heart that causes it to contract, during the REM cycle, sometimes lasting up to nine seconds. There are potentially several dangers this loss of heartbeat can cause, ranging from loss of consciousness, cardiac arrest, or even mental impairment.

Diagnosis

A person with this condition will unknowingly have periods during sleep where their heart is not beating during REM sleep. There cannot be any other related sleep disorders or complaints, not any other medical conditions that could cause cardiac irregularity. Additionally, during the daytime a person with this condition can have chest pain.

Treatment

Usually a person who has similar symptoms to REM sleep-related sinus arrest, has another medical or sleep condition that causes this condition. Because of the severity of the effects of asystole, chest pains should always be reported to a medical professional. As a preventative measure a doctor could prescribe a ventricular-inhibited pacemaker.

Source: Adapted from International Classification of Sleep Disorders Diagnostic & Coding Manual, American Academy of Sleep Medicine.