Sleep Eating

Some sleep eaters even consume non-food items, such as household cleaning products and medication. Of course, this presents dangers to health and can lead to death.

It can be difficult to rouse people when they are experiencing an episode of sleep-related eating disorder.

Causes

In some patients, thedisorder is triggered by autoimmune hepatitis, narcolepsy, dieting, stress, or cessation of alcohol/drug abuse. Eating during sleep may also be linked to restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, irregular sleep-wake rhythm, and sleep-related dissociative disorders.

Medications, particularly those used to treat insomnia and depression, also can trigger sleep related eating disorder.

Risks

Sleep eating can disrupt sleep patterns and produce weight gain. It can also cause insomnia, which can lead to serious health conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, and depression.

Who Is Affected?

An estimated 1.5% of people sleep eat. The disorder affects more women than men. Sleep-elated eating disorder is also more common among sufferers of other types of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.

Treatment

There is no cure for sleep-related eating disorder. Though, medications that boost dopamine levels may be helpful in reducing or eliminating eating episodes.

If dieting is the underlying cause, have a dietician plan a well-balanced, nutritious meal plan that is designed to curb cravings.

Setting a strict sleep schedule and getting adequate sleep each night is also essential. In addition, some patients may need to undergo psychotherapy to cope with the psychological distress associated with sleep related eating disorder.

To prevent injury and illness, lock away all potentially dangerous items and clear the path from the bedroom to the kitchen to prevent tripping and falling.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, http://www.mayoclinic.org/sleep-related-eating-disorder/, American Sleep Association, http://www.sleepassociation.org/index.php?p=sleepeating, New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/07/health/07eating.html?_r=1, and CNN Health, http://articles.cnn.com/2002-07-02/health/sleep.eating_1_eaters-food-kitchen/2?_s=PM:HEALTH.

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