Ashwin Lewis
Sleep-related eating disorders (SRED) are characterized by a person eating food while sleeping without any memory of it. This disorder can be caused by a sleep disorder, health condition, or medication. Treatment for SRED may include taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to regulate mood and improve sleep. Night eating syndrome (NES) is a similar condition where a person wakes up several times at night to eat and finds it difficult to fall back asleep unless their stomach is full. NES may be caused by genetics, stress, daytime eating habits, or other underlying conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) or night eating syndrome (NES) |
| Symptoms | Waking up several times at night to eat, eating a large amount of food after dinner and before breakfast, difficulty falling back asleep unless full |
| Causes | Genetic, stress, daytime eating habits, underlying sleep disorder, health condition, or medication |
| Diagnosis | Physical exam, sleep diary, sleep study |
| Treatment | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), adding/stopping/changing medications |
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What You'll Learn
Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a sleep and eating disorder
NES is typically diagnosed when individuals wake up multiple times a week, often multiple times a night, to eat. They may consume a large proportion of their daily food intake after dinner and before breakfast. NES is associated with cravings for sweets and high-carbohydrate foods, and those affected do not feel hungry in the morning. This can lead to weight gain and obesity, which is a common comorbidity of NES.
NES is also associated with other eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Individuals with NES are more likely to have another eating disorder than those without. However, NES is differentiated from binge eating disorder by the quantity of food consumed per meal, the motivation for eating, and concerns about weight and shape. NES is also linked to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
The exact cause of NES is unknown, but it is believed to have a genetic component. Research has identified a possible link between NES and the PER1 gene, which is involved in regulating the body clock. Stress may also play a role, with symptoms often worsening during stressful periods. Treatment options are available, including bright light therapy, antidepressants, and cognitive behavioural therapy, which can help manage irregular eating habits and improve sleep.
In summary, Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a sleep and eating disorder characterised by nocturnal eating and sleep disturbances. It is often accompanied by insomnia and is associated with other eating and mental health disorders. NES can lead to weight gain and obesity, and treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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NES may be genetic
Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a sleep-related eating disorder that causes those affected to wake up and eat several times during the night to be able to fall back asleep. NES may be genetic, as it tends to run in families and could have a genetic link.
Sleep-related eating disorders (SRED) are a group of disorders characterised by eating while asleep. People with SRED often do not remember sleep eating and only realise they have been doing so when they find evidence, such as empty wrappers or food containers, the following morning. As such, a healthcare provider may ask a family member, partner, or roommate about an individual's sleep habits to aid in diagnosis.
Treatment options are available for SRED, including medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and addressing any underlying sleep disorders, health conditions, or medications that may be causing the symptoms. Treatment plans are tailored to the individual, and a healthcare provider will monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and make adjustments as needed.
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing NES. For example, people who do not consume enough calories during the day are more likely to feel hungry and eat at night. NES is also more common among people who are overweight, have depression or anxiety, or have a substance use disorder (SUD) or another eating disorder. Stress can also play a role, with symptoms often worsening when individuals feel stressed.
The impact of NES extends beyond disrupted sleep, as eating a large amount of food at night can lead to obesity and associated complications, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Therefore, it is important to seek help if you think you may have NES, as treatment can help manage irregular eating habits and improve sleep quality.
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NES can be caused by stress
Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder and sleep disorder characterised by a person waking up several times in the middle of the night to eat. This syndrome can be caused by various factors, one of which is stress.
NES is often associated with mental health problems, and stress is a significant contributing factor to mental health issues. Research has shown that NES symptoms tend to worsen when individuals are experiencing heightened stress. This suggests that stress can be a trigger for night-time eating behaviours associated with NES.
Stress can also indirectly contribute to NES by influencing other factors that are linked to the syndrome. For example, stress can impact daytime eating habits, leading to reduced calorie intake during the day and increased hunger at night. Additionally, stress is often associated with other mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, which are more common among individuals with NES. Addressing stress and improving stress management strategies can be crucial in managing NES symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Furthermore, stress can impact the body's physiological processes, including sleep patterns and hunger signals. It can disrupt sleep, causing sleep interruptions and alterations in sleep architecture, which may contribute to the sleep disturbances associated with NES. Stress can also affect the body's hunger and satiety signals, leading to increased appetite and cravings, particularly for comfort foods. This can result in night-time eating behaviours as individuals may attempt to alleviate stress or comfort themselves through eating.
While the relationship between stress and NES is evident, it is important to recognise that NES is a complex condition influenced by various factors. These factors can include genetics, daytime eating habits, weight, and co-occurring mental health disorders. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to managing NES should address stress while also considering these other contributing factors. Treatment options for NES may include counselling, medication, and lifestyle interventions aimed at improving sleep hygiene, regulating eating habits, and developing stress management techniques.
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NES is more common in people with other disorders
Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a condition that causes people to wake up and eat several times a night, craving sweets and carbohydrates, in order to fall back asleep. NES is classified as an Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). NES is often associated with other disorders and medical diagnoses, and can have a significant impact on a person's life.
NES also has a substantial association with medical diagnoses such as obesity, sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and diabetes mellitus type II. It is more prevalent in people who are overweight and has been linked to eating disorders such as binge eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa. NES often coexists with substance use disorders and can lead to weight gain, increasing the risk of health complications related to obesity, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Furthermore, NES is often accompanied by insomnia and poor sleep quality, which can further interfere with daytime functioning and mood. The sleep interruptions caused by NES can affect a person's ability to perform well at work or school and maintain a healthy weight. Treatment for NES is available and often successful in helping individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
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Sleep-Related Eating Disorders (SRED) are diagnosed through physical exams
Sleep-related eating disorders (SRED) are characterised by recurrent episodes of uncontrolled eating and drinking one to three hours after falling asleep. People with SRED often have little to no memory of eating during the night, although some may have partial recall. They may also eat unusual or inedible food combinations, such as raw meat or cigarette butts. SRED is a type of parasomnia, or abnormal behaviour that occurs during sleep. It is often associated with other sleep disorders, and can be caused by certain medications, such as sedatives for insomnia.
SRED can be dangerous, as people with the disorder may put themselves and others at risk by cooking while asleep. For example, they may leave the stove on or place flammable objects on a lit stove, which could cause a fire. People with SRED may also eat toxic substances, and one-third of patients experience injuries from careless food preparation.
SRED is diagnosed through a physical examination by a healthcare provider. They will ask about symptoms, including how often the patient wakes up at night and what helps them get back to sleep. The provider will also inquire about the patient's mood, emotions, and mental health. To gather more information about sleep habits, the patient may be asked to keep a sleep diary for several weeks, recording when they go to bed, when they wake up, and how they feel upon waking. Family members or roommates may also be consulted, as the patient likely won't remember sleep eating. The physical exam will also help determine if a sleep disorder, health condition, or medication is causing the symptoms.
While polysomnography (PSG) is considered the "gold standard" for detecting sleep disorders, it is not required for diagnosing SRED. PSG includes electroencephalography, electromyography, electrocardiography, recording of body and limb movements, airflow measurement, oxygen saturation recording, and video monitoring. PSG can provide valuable quantitative and qualitative data on sleep abnormalities, but it has limitations in capturing eating episodes and may not be cost-effective. More research is needed to improve the understanding and diagnosis of SRED.
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Frequently asked questions
Night eating syndrome (NES) is a sleep-related eating disorder that causes people to wake up and eat several times a night in order to fall back to sleep.
People with NES may find it difficult to fall back to sleep unless their stomach is full. These sleep interruptions can interfere with daytime functioning and affect mental health.
NES may be caused by genetics, stress, daytime eating habits, or other underlying health conditions. It is more commonly seen in people who are overweight, or who have depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder.
Treatment options for NES include taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to regulate mood and improve sleep. Healthcare providers may also recommend adding, stopping, or changing certain medications, but this should only be done with a provider's approval.
