It is possible to eat in your sleep. It is a recognized sleep disorder, often occurring involuntarily, with individuals having no memory of the episodes upon waking.
What is Sleep-Related Eating
Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED) is a parasomnia, abnormal behaviors during sleep. Individuals with SRED eat or drink while partially aroused, typically having no recollection of these events. These episodes often involve unusual food combinations, high-calorie foods, or even non-food items. They might prepare elaborate meals or eat messily, sometimes injuring themselves with kitchen utensils or by consuming toxic substances.
SRED differs from Night Eating Syndrome (NES) because individuals with SRED are not fully conscious and have amnesia for the event. NES involves full consciousness and awareness. Episodes can happen nightly, sometimes multiple times, usually during the first few hours of non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep.
Why It Happens
SRED’s exact causes are not fully understood, but several factors contribute. Certain medical conditions, such as restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and other parasomnias like sleepwalking, are frequently associated with SRED. SRED is often considered a variant of sleepwalking, with many individuals having a history of sleepwalking.
Medications notably induce or exacerbate SRED. Sedative-hypnotics, particularly zolpidem (Ambien), are frequently linked to SRED episodes, often causing individuals to awaken enough to eat unconsciously. Other medications, including certain antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, mirtazapine) and antipsychotics (quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone), have also been reported to trigger SRED. Psychological factors, including stress, anxiety, and depression, contribute to SRED. A genetic predisposition may also exist, as individuals with a first-degree relative with SRED may have a higher risk.
Getting Help and Managing Sleep Eating
Professional help from a healthcare provider or sleep specialist is important if you suspect SRED. Diagnosis may involve a detailed medical history, including sleep habits, and sometimes a sleep study. While not always required, a sleep study can help differentiate SRED from other sleep disorders and monitor sleep patterns.
SRED management and treatment are varied, often depending on the underlying cause. If medications contribute, a healthcare professional may recommend adjusting or changing them, but only under medical supervision. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are sometimes prescribed, especially for co-occurring mental health conditions. Addressing underlying sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, can also improve SRED symptoms.
Lifestyle modifications benefit SRED management. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene can promote better sleep quality. Creating a safe sleep environment is important; this might involve securing kitchens or pantries to prevent access during episodes or removing potentially harmful items. Reducing stress through techniques like mindfulness or meditation, and avoiding triggers such as alcohol or certain foods before bed, can help manage the condition.