Sleep Eating Disorder

Sleep eating is a relatively rare condition that consists of both an eating disorder and a sleeping disorder. While actual numbers are unknown, it is believed that approximately one to three percent of the world’s population suffer from sleep eating disorder, although the percentage does rise sharply (10 to 15 percent) in those already suffering from an eating disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Eating Disorder

Those who suffer from sleep eating disorder can exhibit a wide array of signs and tendencies, but common characteristics of the disorder include:

• Bingeing episodes that happen often, usually nightly or even multiple times in one night
• The sleep eating only occurs during nightly sleep, not during naps
• The foods tend to be high in sugar and high in calories
• Occasionally the sufferer will eat something that’s not meant to be consumed, like soap
• The food is eaten very fast, typically in periods of five to ten minutes
• While sufferers do not recall the episode upon waking, seeing the evidence of their sleep eating, like a candy bar wrapper, can trigger their memory of the event
• Sufferers tend to stick to specific routines, like eating the same five foods, only substituting or changing the order when their food of choice is no longer available
• Studies show that it is very difficult to awaken somebody when they’re in the midst of a sleep eating episode

What Causes Sleep Eating Disorder

Sleep eating disorder is a condition in which not much is known about scientifically. While there seems to be no single cause for the condition, studies have shown that some people seem to be at higher risk of developing it. Those at high risk include:

• People with other eating disorders
• People with other sleeping disorders
• Those who suffer from sleep walking
• People on particular medications for treating depression
• People suffering from addiction withdrawal
• People suffering from excessive stress
• People who go to bed with empty stomachs

What are the Risks of Sleep Eating Disorder?

There are a large number of risks for those who suffer from sleep eating, most notably being injured while sleep walking. Other consequences and risks associated with this disorder include weight gain, insomnia, depression, poor nutrition, reduced control of diabetes and food poisoning.

Treating Sleep Eating

Treatment for someone suffering from sleep eating varies and is usually catered to the individual. Common treatment techniques involve:

• Improving the sleep environment and making it safer
• Improving sleep hygiene
• Making medication adjustments
• Making the kitchen environment safer
• Prescription of medications to try and reduce the sleep eating episodes

Disclaimer: These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult your physician regarding any sleeping disorders.