Cause 12. Sleep-Related Eating Disorder: The Midnight Munchies
Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a condition where a person eats during the night with little to no recollection of the event. This eating happens when the person is partially awake during a period of sleep and can involve consumption of peculiar, unhealthy, or even dangerous food combinations.
Individuals with SRED may suffer from poor sleep quality due to these nocturnal eating episodes, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness. This can impact their overall health, wellbeing, and performance during the day. It can also lead to weight gain and increased risk of health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol.
Diagnosing SRED involves a careful evaluation of the patient’s medical history, sleep habits, and possibly an overnight stay in a sleep lab. The treatment for SRED typically involves addressing any underlying sleep disorders or health issues, improving sleep hygiene, and in some cases, medication to help control the nocturnal eating. (12)
