Sleep-eating disorders, like nocturnal eating syndrome (NES) and sleep-related eating disorder (SRED), may cause people to eat more than they desire at night. However, treatments are available.
There are a few eating disorders that are specifically linked to sleep or nighttime.
NES causes people to consume most of their food at night, often with frequent sleep interruptions. In the case of SRED, people aren’t conscious while eating and don’t remember their actions.
Although these disorders may feel overwhelming or scary to experience, there is support available. Here’s what to know.
There are three types of eating disorders that may be linked to sleep. They are:
Sleep-related eating disorder
SRED is a type of parasomnia condition that causes people to wake up in the night and eat while they’re still asleep. It’s essentially a form of sleepwalking (somnambulism) with an emphasis on eating. Afterward, people can’t recall their nightly activities.
Since those with SRED are unconscious while eating, there’s a risk that they may consume toxic or dangerous substances or injure themselves while attempting to prepare food.
Nocturnal eating syndrome
NES causes people to eat excessively at night or wake up in the night to eat. A
Binge eating disorder
Binge eating disorder (BED) causes people to eat large quantities of food even when they don’t feel hungry. While it’s not a nocturnal disorder, some with BED may binge specifically at night.
In a 2023 study of 1,296 university students in Saudi Arabia, 81% of whom had at least one parasomnia disorder,
According to a 2022 review, NES has an estimated prevalence of
The
Symptoms of SRED include:
- eating at night and not remembering doing so
- consuming food you wouldn’t normally eat
- potentially eating dangerous substances
- potentially accidentally injuring yourself while sleepwalking and eating
- having no appetite in the morning
- having daytime fatigue
- gaining weight
SRED often occurs with other sleep conditions, like sleepwalking, restless legs syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, or narcolepsy.
Symptoms of NES include:
- having the urge to eat when waking up at night
- having the urge to eat between dinner and bedtime
- consuming most of your food at night
- believing that food helps you fall asleep
- having depression
- having low sleep quality
- having no appetite in the morning
- gaining weight
Conditions that may occur with NES include obesity, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or BED. According to one
Also, another 2016 review found that NES is especially prevalent among university students, who may also experience significant stress, endure peer pressure, and follow a low nutrition diet.
Symptoms of BED include:
- eating quickly
- eating to the point of being uncomfortably full
- eating large amounts of food even if you don’t feel hungry
- hiding your eating habits due to shame or embarrassment
- experiencing feelings of guilt, distress, or disgust about eating
If you receive a diagnosis of a sleep-eating disorder or think you may have one, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that there’s help available.
Treatment options for SRED include:
- stopping or changing prescription medications that may cause or exacerbate symptoms, like antipsychotics, antidepressants, or zolpidem, which treats insomnia
- minimizing stress levels through techniques like mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and yoga
- locking the fridge or cupboards or using an alarm
- practicing good sleep hygiene, like avoiding blue light or meditating before bed
- using a sleep diary to track your sleep patterns and potential triggers
- visiting a sleep specialist
- potentially taking the medication topiramate, which treats migraine episodes and seizures, though it may cause side effects
Treatment options for NES include:
- cognitive behavioral therapy, which is known to be an effective treatment for eating disorders like NES as well as anxiety and depression
- melatonin supplements or tea, which may help regulate your circadian rhythm
- medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are antidepressants that can help boost your mood and regulate sleep
- relaxation exercises, which help soothe the muscles, help you tell the difference between tension and relaxation, and
help treat NES
Treatment options for BED include:
- cognitive behavioral therapy, which one 2016 review concluded is very effective at treating BED
- SSRIs
- the medication topiramate
- the medication lisdexamfetamine, which is an effective BED treatment
- using a diary to track your binge eating triggers
Sleep-eating disorders can significantly affect your health and quality of life, but effective treatments are available. Whether you’re dealing with SRED, NES, or BED, options range from cognitive behavioral therapy and medications to lifestyle changes and stress management techniques.
By seeking professional help and exploring these treatment options, you can take important steps toward recovery and improved well-being.
