Sleep-Related Eating Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Weight gain and poor nutrition can be the consequences of sleep-related eating disorder, or sleep eating, a type of abnormal or unusual behavior during sleep. Illustration by Yukari Schrickel/CNN

Learn about sleep-related eating disorder (SRED), its symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options. Get answers to FAQs on managing and diagnosing SRED.

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) makes people eat while asleep. They don’t remember it and can get hurt. Let’s learn about its symptoms, causes, and how to treat it.

The Most Devastating Sleep Disorder of All, According to an Expert

Imagine going to sleep and waking up with crumbs in your bed. You didn't know you got up and ate in the middle of the night! This story is about Jill and how she lives with a "sleep disorder" called sleep-related eating disorder (SRED). This disorder is one of the worst kinds of sleep disorders. Let's learn more about it.

What is Sleep-Related Eating Disorder?

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is when someone eats while they're asleep. They don't know they're eating. They might wake up and see wrappers or food crumbs in their bed. This can happen every night.

Symptoms of SRED

• Unconscious eating: People don't know they are eating.
• Eating a lot: They might eat a whole package of cookies or several bowls of cereal.
• Feeling sick: Eating junk food at night can make them feel bad in the morning.
• Gaining weight: Eating at night means extra calories and can cause weight gain.

Jill's Story

Jill started "eating in her sleep" when she was in middle school. She would wake up and find wrappers and containers in her bed. This made her feel very sick and tired during the day. Jill says it's like a "whole other animal" because it happens many times during the night.

Challenges Jill Faced

• Not resting well: Jill woke up many times at night to eat.
• Eating unhealthy food: She never ate fruits or vegetables, only junk food.
• Feeling miserable: Jill felt sick and had to function the whole day after eating so much junk at night.

Understanding Parasomnias

SRED is a type of parasomnia, which means unusual behaviors during sleep. Other examples are:

• Sleepwalking: Walking around while asleep.
• Sleep talking: Talking while asleep.
• Sleep terrors: Having scary dreams and waking up afraid.
• Sleep sex: Doing sexual things while asleep.

What Causes SRED?

Restless Legs Syndrome

One cause of SRED is restless legs syndrome. This is when legs feel uncomfortable and need to move around.

Sleepwalking

Another cause is sleepwalking. People who sleepwalk might start eating during their walks.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is when breathing stops and starts during sleep. This can also lead to SRED.

Medications

Certain insomnia medications can cause SRED. These medicines help people sleep but might also make them eat while asleep.

Expert Insights

Dr. Carlos Schenck, a sleep expert, says SRED is the worst parasomnia. It affects people's lives a lot. They eat almost every night, gain weight, and feel miserable in the morning. Dr. Schenck treats people with parasomnias and knows how hard it is for them.

Delta Sleep and Parasomnias

Delta sleep is the deepest stage of sleep. Parasomnias, like SRED, often happen during this stage. Something in the brain wakes the body while the mind is still deeply asleep.

No Control or Restraint

During SRED, the brain wants foods that make it happy. This means ultraprocessed foods like cookies, cakes, chips, and crackers. People can't control what they eat or how much they eat.

Treatment and Management

Medication

Dr. Schenck prescribed three medications to Jill. These medicines help control her SRED. She takes them early at night so they can work by bedtime. The medicines help 95% of the time, but sometimes Jill still has bad nights.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Jill tries to keep junk food out of her home. This helps her avoid eating it at night. But it's hard when her grandchildren visit and bring treats.

Success Rates and Challenges

Treating SRED is hard. Only about two-thirds of people get better. In comparison, treatments for other parasomnias, like sexsomnia and night terrors, work more than 75% of the time.

Living with SRED

Impact on Daily Life

SRED affects daily life a lot. People feel tired because they don't sleep well. They feel sick from eating junk food. They gain weight and might get other health problems like diabetes or hypertension.

Family and Social Impact

Jill's husband used to wake up to crumbs and wrappers in bed. He didn't understand why Jill was eating at night. Families might try to wake their loved ones during sleep eating, but this can make the person angry or upset.

Advice for Others

Jill has some advice for others with SRED:

• Be your own best advocate: Learn about the disorder and ask doctors the right questions.
• Get a sleep study: This can help find out what triggers the behavior.
• Don't give up: If one doctor doesn't help, find another one. Keep fighting until you get the right help.

Conclusion

Sleep-related eating disorder is a serious condition. It makes people eat while they are asleep and affects their whole life. With the right treatment and support, people like Jill can manage SRED. It's important to learn about the disorder, ask for help, and never give up.

The Most Devastating Sleep Disorder of All, According to an Expert

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a serious condition where people eat while they're asleep. They might not even remember doing it! This disorder can be very troubling, causing health issues and making life difficult. Let's answer some common questions about SRED.

What are the symptoms of sleep-related eating disorder?

Sleep-related eating disorder has several symptoms. People often eat while asleep and don't remember it. They might consume non-food items like cleaning products, and they can get injured while cooking or preparing food. Those with SRED often eat high-calorie, unhealthy foods, leading to weight gain and other health issues.

How is SRED diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose SRED by asking about symptoms and sleep habits. They might ask family members or roommates for information. Keeping a sleep diary and undergoing a sleep study can also help in diagnosing SRED. This way, doctors can see abnormal sleep behaviors.

What causes sleep-related eating disorder?

The exact cause of SRED is unknown. However, it is linked to other sleep disorders like sleepwalking and restless legs syndrome. Certain medications, especially those for insomnia, can also trigger SRED. Stress, lack of sleep, and family history of sleep disorders increase the risk.

How can SRED be treated?

Treating SRED often involves stopping medications that might cause the disorder. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants or other medications to help regulate sleep. Lifestyle changes, such as managing stress and practicing good sleep hygiene, are also important. Sometimes, placing locks on food storage areas can prevent sleep eating.

What are the dangers of sleep-related eating disorder?

SRED can be dangerous because people might eat harmful substances or get injured while preparing food. Consuming large amounts of unhealthy food can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. The disorder also disrupts sleep, causing fatigue and daytime drowsiness.

Is sleep-related eating disorder common?

SRED is relatively rare, affecting about 5% of the population. It is more common in women and often starts in early adulthood. People with other eating disorders or sleep disorders are more likely to develop SRED.

How can you help someone with SRED?

If you live with someone with SRED, it's important to create a safe environment. Remove hazards from the kitchen, lock up dangerous substances, and gently wake the person if you see them eating in their sleep. Encourage them to seek medical help.

Can lifestyle changes help with SRED?

Yes, lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Managing stress, following a regular sleep schedule, and avoiding triggers like alcohol and caffeine before bed can help. Practicing relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can also be beneficial.

Are there any support groups for SRED?

Support groups can be very helpful for people with SRED. Sharing experiences and tips with others who understand the disorder can provide comfort and practical advice. Online forums and local support groups are good places to start.

What should you do if you suspect you have SRED?

If you think you have SRED, talk to your doctor. They can help diagnose the disorder and suggest treatment options. Keeping a sleep diary and asking family members about your nighttime behavior can provide useful information for your doctor.

Conclusion

Sleep-related eating disorder is a challenging condition, but with the right help and lifestyle changes, it can be managed. Understanding the disorder, seeking medical advice, and making a safe sleep environment are crucial steps. If you or someone you know has SRED, don't hesitate to seek support and treatment.

Sources:

• Cleveland Clinic
• Sleep Doctor
• Eating Disorder Hope
• Yale Medicine

This information can help you understand and manage sleep-related eating disorder effectively. Remember, seeking professional help is important for dealing with this condition.

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