sleepeating

Sleepeating, also known as sleep eating disorder or nocturnal eating syndrome, is a parasomnia characterized by recurrent episodes of eating and drinking while asleep, with no or partial recollection of the events upon waking. Individuals with sleepeating may consume unusual food combinations, eat raw or spoiled food, or even injure themselves during food preparation. The behavior typically occurs during the NREM (non-rapid eye movement) stages of sleep, most commonly during the first half of the night.

The exact cause of sleepeating is not fully understood, but it is often associated with other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking and night terrors. Stress, anxiety, certain medications, and irregular sleep schedules are also considered potential contributing factors. While it can affect individuals of any age, it is more prevalent in women and often emerges in young adulthood.

Diagnosis is typically made based on a detailed sleep history and sometimes a sleep study (polysomnography) to rule out other conditions and confirm the presence of sleepeating behavior. Management strategies focus on identifying and addressing underlying triggers, improving sleep hygiene, and ensuring safety. This may involve securing the kitchen, removing potential hazards, and in some cases, medication to treat associated sleep or psychiatric conditions. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.