Sleep-Related Eating Disorder Causes Nighttime Eating Without Memory, Experts Warn

Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is a condition where individuals unconsciously get up during the night to eat, often consuming unusual foods, and have no memory of these episodes the next morning. Professor Rafi Carasso explains that this disorder involves partial sleep with impaired awareness and automatic behavior, distinguishing it from normal nighttime snacking. People affected may eat quickly and consume items like frozen foods, dry ingredients such as flour, or a variety of cooked and uncooked foods found in the refrigerator.

SRED is triggered by factors including psychological stress, sleep disturbances, and certain sleep medications, particularly those in the Z-drug category like Ambien, Stilnox, Zodorm, and Zolpidem. Other contributors include sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome. Attempts to wake individuals during an episode often result in confusion or failure to awaken.

A related condition, night eating syndrome, differs in that the person is fully aware of their nighttime eating and struggles with insomnia unless they eat. These individuals may consume 30% to 40% of their daily calories at night and often lack appetite in the morning.

Management strategies include avoiding sleep medications, caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol before bedtime. Some patients resort to locking the refrigerator and giving the key to a partner or leaving it in the car. However, Professor Carasso emphasizes that addressing the underlying causes is essential, recommending consultation with a sleep neurologist and undergoing a sleep study.

He advises those noticing unexplained weight gain or morning appetite loss to monitor their refrigerators and note any missing food items after sleep. Awareness and proper diagnosis can help manage this unusual but impactful sleep disorder.