Sleep Eating Disorder—More Common than You Think

Most people are aware of sleep disorders. There are many different types of sleep disorders, including insomnia, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Restless Leg Syndrome, and narcolepsy. Eating disorders have also received a lot of attention lately. From anorexia nervosa, to bulimia, to binge eating; there are several serious eating disorders that have been the subject of public awareness.

However, few people are aware of sleep eating disorder. Sleep eating disorder are just as serious at any sleep disorder or eating disorder alone. And because there is not nearly so much public awareness, sleep eating disorder often go unrecognized or undiagnosed. The two main types of sleep eating disorder are Night Eating Syndrome and Nocturnal Sleep-Related Disorder.

Night Eating Syndrome

Night Eating Syndrome is one sleep eating disorder. Only about 1 to 2 per cent of adults suffer from Night Eating Syndrome; however, it is suggested that approximately 27 per cent of people who are obese or overweight are afflicted with Night Eating Syndrome. People with Night Eating Syndrome eat more than half of their daily caloric intake between the meals of dinner and breakfast.

Oftentimes, such persons will be visibly upset or ashamed of how much they have eaten; it is common for afflicted persons to avoid breakfast. This sleep eating disorder is not a binge-like behavior; it is actually continuous eating throughout the night. Night Eating Syndrome has been attributed to stress, and depression often occurs as a result. People with this sleep eating disorder may have difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep; whatever the case, they awake often to eat.

Nocturnal Sleep-Related Disorder

Nocturnal Sleep-Related Disorder is another sleep eating disorder. This sleep disorder differs from Night Eating Syndrome in that people who are affected by Nocturnal Sleep-Related Disorder eat food at night while they are sound asleep. Similar to sleep walking, people have no memories or awareness of what occurred the night before. Only 1 to 3 per cent of the population seems to be subject to Nocturnal Sleep-Related Disorder. People with this sleep eating disorder are often tired throughout the day, and it is common for those who are affected to be on a diet throughout the day. There are ways to treat Nocturnal Sleep-Related Disorder, but it is recommended that sleeping pills should be avoided.

If you think that you are suffering from a sleep eating disorder, you should consult your doctor to begin receiving treatment for the disorder. You can also try to treat the behaviors by listening to soothing music as you fall asleep, and by reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake.