Sleep eating syndrome

What is sleep eating syndrome?

Sleep eating syndrome (SES) is also known as nocturnal eating syndrome or sleep-related eating. It is considered a parasomnia and is rare type of sleepwalking (disorder of arousal) SES/NES IS A combined sleep-eating problem, thus falling into the category of eating disorders. The condition is characterized by episodes of recurrent sleep walking, during which time they binge large quantities of food (often high in sugar or fat). In most cases, sufferers of SES are not aware and do not remember these episodes of binging, this puts them at great risk of unintentional self-harm or injury.

Because of the food intake and compulsive nature of the syndrome, sufferers are thus at the same health risks as those of Compulsive eaters along with the added risks of sleep walking. It is not uncommon for suffers to have anxiety issues, are stressed, irritable, tired and angry.

Sleep eaters are comparable to sleepwalkers in the following ways;

They are at risk for self-injury during an episode.They may experience extreme daytime drowsiness.They are usually emotionally distressed, tired, angry, or anxious.

Common concerns include excessive weight gain (if sleep eating patterns are consistent), choking while eating, sleep disruption, and injury from cooking or preparing food such as from knives, utensils, or hot cooking surfaces. There is also the potential for starting a fire. Although it can affect all ages and both sexes, SES is more common in young women. Food consumed by sleep eaters is often odd combinations of foods, such as potato chips dipped in peanut butter. Non-food items have also been reported, one person was found cutting a bar of soap into slices and then eating it as if it were a slice of cheese!

Parasomnia (arousal disorder) characteristics;

Abnormal behaviour occurring during an arousal from slow wave sleepThe absence of awareness during the episodeAutomatic and repetitive motor activitySlow reaction time and reduced sensitivity to environmentDifficulty in waking despite vigorous attemptsNo memory of the episode in the morning (retrograde amnesia) No or little dream recall associated with the event.

Arousal disorders are complex and often serious in nature. If one thinks they are suffering from sleep eating syndrome it is important they consult with a physician or a healthcare professional. These can make referrals to a sleep disorders treatment centre. It is strongly recommended that a sleep specialist carries out diagnosis and treatment.

Treating sleep eating syndrome would firstly be ascertaining the underlying causes one of which may be another form of sleep disorder, prescription drug abuse, nicotine withdrawal, hypothalamic injury (or encephalitis) or acute stress.

Treatment options include;

Interventions without medication.Courses on stress managementGoup counsellingOne-on-one counselling with a therapistSelf-confidence training (aimed to eliminate the stress and anxiety that leads to night time bingeing)Hypnosis may be an option for some sleep eaters. A change in diet; for example avoiding certain foods and eating at specified times of the day.Reducing caffeine or alcohol consumption.Medicines in the benzodiazepine family have had some success because this class of drugs reduces motor activity during sleep.

It’s important to remember that throughout life, that variance of sleep patterns and eating habits occurs in differing positive and negative situations. Issues with eating are either over eating or under eating, and those with sleep are defined as too much sleep or not enough. Medical attention is required for individuals exhibiting abnormal behaviours in either or both areas.

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