Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorders FAQ’s

Who gets Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorder (NSRED)?

One to three percent of the population seems to get Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorder; and ten to fifteen percent of people with eating disorders are affected.

Both men and women are susceptible to these disorders, but they are more common among women.

The problem may be chronic or appear once or twice and then disappear. Many people are severely distressed for their nocturnal loss of control.

Their behaviors may lead to depression [Therapy for Depression] and weight gain.

Many of these individuals diet during the day, which leaves them hungry and vulnerable to binge eating at night when their control is weakened by sleep.

In some cases, people with Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorder sometimes have histories of alcoholism, drug abuse, and sleep disorders other than NSRED, problems such as sleep walking, restless legs, and sleep apnea. Sleep walking is the most common sleep disorder related to Sleep Related Eating Disorder among them. Their sleep is fragmented, and they are often exhausted when they wake.

How Common is Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorder?

It is estimated that 1 to 3 percent of the population is affected by sleep eating. A higher percentage of persons with eating disorders, as many as 10 to 15 percent, are affected. Therefore, sleep eating is more common in younger women.

Symptoms typically begin in the late 20s. Events may reoccur, in combination with a stressful situation, or an event may occur only once or twice. Additionally, many parasomnias seem to run in families, which may indicate that sleep eating is genetically related.

How do I know if I have Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorder?

• If you have a loss of appetite in the morning
• If you eat strange forms or combinations of food.
• If your health declines from eating foods that are high in calories.
• If your eating episodes interrupt your sleep causing insomnia. As a result, you are exhausted during the day.
• If you eat or drink toxic or inedible substances.
• If you injure yourself

It is also essential to know if there is something else that is causing your problem. It may be a result of one of the following:

• A mental health disorder
• Another sleep disorder
• Substance abuse
• A medical condition
• Medication use

When Should I seek medical advice?

In many cases, sleep eating is the external sign of an underlying problem. Many sufferers are overweight. Some sufferers have histories of alcoholism, drug abuse, or a primary sleep disorder, such as sleepwalking, Restless Legs Syndrome, or sleep apnea.

Compounded with the dangers of sleepwalking, compulsive eating while asleep is a sleep disorder that results in weight gain, interrupted sleep, and daytime drowsiness. As these consequences of sleep eating affect daily living, it is necessary to see a healthcare professional.

If you think you suffer from sleep eating, consult with your physician or a healthcare professional who can refer you to a sleep disorders treatment center. It is suggested that a sleep expert carry out the diagnosis and treatment. Medical or psychological evaluation should also be investigated.

What is happening during night eating?

Two types of sleep related night eating disorder have been named.

• The first disorder is NES, stands for night eating syndrome. This disorder is characterized by frequent night waking in which the patient is unable to fall back to sleep unless he eats.
• The second disorder is SRED, stands for sleep related eating disorder. People with SRED do not completely wake up while they are sleep eating, and may have no knowledge of it in the morning.

Why do people develop Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorders?

People develop Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorders due to inordinate stress due to life circumstances, emotional difficulties, and stress about dieting, firm self-imposed rules during the day, a forced low weight, and an attempt to get missing nutrients.