Eating disorders can impact anyone, regardless of gender, age, or location. While you may not be a late-night snacker, you could be dealing with a condition called Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED). Though less common than sleepwalking, SRED can severely disrupt both your sleep and overall well-being.
Sleep-eating disorder, also referred to as Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder, is a complex condition in which individuals eat or attempt to eat while partially or fully asleep. This disorder can result in various health issues such as weight gain, malnutrition, and even injuries from sleepwalking to find food.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the intriguing realm of sleep-related disorders. We’ll explore the science behind SRED, examine its symptoms and causes, and highlight effective treatment options. Join us as we shed light on sleep-eating disorder and guide you toward reclaiming a restful night’s sleep.
What Is Sleep-Eating Disorder?
Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a type of parasomnia, an abnormal behavior that occurs during sleep. It causes individuals to prepare and eat food while asleep, often with little to no memory of their actions upon waking. People with SRED typically fall asleep normally but become partially awake to eat or drink.
Those with SRED may consume a variety of inappropriate or harmful items, including pet food, raw meat, cleaning products, or even large amounts of salt. They may also attempt to cook while partially asleep, posing risks of injury. Many individuals with sleep-eating disorders experience these episodes almost nightly. While dreaming about food is possible at any point during the night, the actual sleep-eating episode is usually brief, often lasting around 10 minutes, including the time spent going to and from the kitchen.
SRED can be triggered by certain medications, such as sedatives, and is more common in individuals with other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome (RLS). It can be dangerous, as it may lead to injuries like burns and cuts from cooking, and in some cases, ingestion of toxic, non-food substances.
Although the exact number of people affected by SRED is unclear, it may impact up to 5% of the population, with women being more frequently affected. Treatment typically focuses on blocking the receptors responsible for triggering the disorder.
Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder: What Do the Statistics Show?
Sleep and eating are essential activities for sustaining life. Typically, people fast the longest after dinner, engage in a few hours of activity, and sleep for 7 to 12 hours. However, chronic sleep deprivation is becoming a widespread issue, and recent studies show that the number of people eating late at night or consuming excessive amounts of food before bed is on the rise.
Sleep-related eating disorders were first documented in 1955, with the introduction of nocturnal eating syndrome (NES), where individuals consume more than 80% of their daily calories before going to sleep. Those with NES tend to overeat in the evening and skip breakfast due to a lack of hunger in the morning, leading to a disrupted circadian eating cycle.
In a self-reported study among college students, 4.6% exhibited symptoms of sleep-related eating disorder (SRED), while 16.7% of an inpatient eating disorder group and 8.7% of an outpatient group also reported SRED symptoms. Women were more frequently affected, with 60-83% of cases reported in females, particularly in the 20 to 30 age range. SRED often follows a chronic course, with symptoms persisting for up to 15 years before diagnosis.
Symptoms of Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED)
The primary symptom of SRED is waking up to eat or drink without full awareness. Additional signs and symptoms may include:
- Consumption of Inedible Substances:
Individuals with SRED may eat raw, toxic, or non-food items like pet food, cleaning products, cigarettes, raw meat, or frozen foods. - Cooking While Asleep:
Some people attempt to cook during episodes, increasing the risk of injuries or burns. - Irritation When Interrupted:
People with SRED may become agitated or frustrated when an episode is interrupted, as they often have difficulty fully waking up. - Lack of Awareness or Memory Loss:
Most individuals are unaware of their actions during an episode and may have little to no recollection of what they ate or did. Some may have vague memories, while others may recall the episode only the next morning. - Consumption of Toxic or Non-Food Items:
In some cases, people consume hazardous or inedible substances such as coffee grounds, bleach, or cigarette butts, which may lead to food poisoning. - Accidental Injuries:
Due to being partially asleep, individuals may suffer cuts, burns, or other injuries, such as leaving the stove on or setting the oven to unsafe temperatures. - Frequent Eating Episodes:
Episodes often occur nightly, though they may happen three to four times a week, or even multiple times during a single night.
Causes of SRED
While the exact cause is unclear, factors contributing to SRED include:
- Sleep disturbances: Such as sleepwalking or night eating syndrome.
- Psychological conditions: Stress and anxiety.
- Medication side effects: Sedatives, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can trigger SRED.
- Disrupted circadian rhythms: Affecting sleep-wake cycles.
- Neurological and genetic factors: May also play a role.
SRED often happens during the transition from non-REM sleep to partial wakefulness, commonly in those who experience sleepwalking.
Treatment for SRED
Treatment typically involves:
- Behavioral therapy (CBT): To manage psychological triggers.
- Sleep routine: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule.
- Medication: Antidepressants or anticonvulsants to improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms.
The Final Say Â
If you have a history of sleep-related eating disorders, it’s important to consult your doctor to find ways to manage these nighttime eating behaviors. Without treatment, these abnormal sleep patterns can result in significant injuries and health complications. However, with proper care—addressing other sleep issues like restless legs syndrome (RLS), snoring, or narcolepsy—you can effectively control sleep-eating disorder symptoms and improve sleep quality. Collaborating with your healthcare provider allows for a personalized treatment plan that promotes better rest and overall well-being.
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