Sleep Related Eating Disorder
a disorder in which the person leaves his or her bed and seeks out and eats food while sleep walking, usually without a memory for the episode the next day
Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a sleep disorder that involves recurrent episodes of compulsive eating and ingestion of non-food substances during the night. It is classified as a parasomnia, which is a type of sleep disorder that involves abnormal behaviors, movements, emotions, perceptions, and dreams that occur while transitioning from sleep to wakefulness, or during the different sleep stages. It usually affects adults and is more common in women than in men. People with SRED have little or no memory of their nighttime feeding episodes, and they often eat food that is high in calories, carbohydrates, and fats, and display unusual preferences for certain foods such as raw or frozen foods, uncooked rice, or condiments such as salt or ketchup.
The causes of SRED are not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to other sleep disorders such as sleepwalking, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or periodic limb movements during sleep. Medications, stress, and psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or trauma can also contribute to the development of SRED.
The diagnosis of SRED can be challenging because symptoms are often unknown to the patient and require the presence of a bed partner or caregiver to report unusual eating behaviors during sleep. Evaluation by a sleep specialist is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other sleep disorders or medical conditions that may mimic SRED.
Treatment of SRED may involve medications, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Medications such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants can reduce the frequency and intensity of eating episodes, while psychological interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or hypnosis can address underlying stress or emotional issues that may trigger SRED. Lifestyle modifications such as avoidance of trigger foods, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques can also be helpful.
Overall, SRED is a complex sleep disorder that can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of affected individuals. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms are present in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
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