Learn to recognize the symptoms
While SRED can develop on its own, it can also be a side effect of certain types of medications, namely those used to treat depression and sleep problems.
Sleep-related eating disorder or SRED is a sleep disorder known to cause unusual eating behaviors during sleep.
With this disorder, you walk in your sleep and eat without ever remembering it afterward.
Many risk factors might lead to the development of SRED including ending the abuse of alcohol or drugs, daytime eating disorders, hepatitis, or even stress.
Things that can trigger SRED include stress, irregular sleep schedules, and abrupt medication changes.
You don't have any control during an episode. People have been known to consume food they're allergic to and subsequently have an allergic reaction.
Most who have SRED have an episode of sleep eating almost every night. It can occur at any time during the night and there may be more than one sleep-eating event each night.
An episode of sleep-related eating might only last ten minutes, including the time it takes to get from the bed to your kitchen and back again. However, food is often consumed at a quick rate during these episodes.
By learning that the disorder exists as well as what causes it and how it can impact you, you're a step ahead of most.
Some prominent long-term impacts of SRED include possible nutritional imbalances, chronic sleep disruption, and interference with relationships.
During an episode, people can eat strange, unhealthy, and possibly dangerous combinations of food, including buttered cigarettes or other inedible substances.
Because the foods chosen are often heavy ultra-processed foods, they can lead to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
In addition to the risk of not handling food properly in these events, such as consuming food at an unsafe temperature, you could also trip or fall and injure yourself.
These episodes can result in a lot of stress and anxiety in everyday life. The weight gain may also cause body image issues, depression, or even embarrassment.
In addition to speaking with a doctor, it can be important and helpful to keep a sleep diary. Use it religiously for two weeks and write down all the details related to how you slept, how you felt the night before, and your energy levels the next day.
It's extremely important to be diligent in disclosing and uncovering other sleep-related issues as they can all tie together and severely impact you.
Medications should only be prescribed by a licensed medical professional. They can include options such as melatonin or anti-depressants like Trazadone.
If symptoms worsen or you notice they're having a severe impact on you, your happiness, or your health, be sure to see a medical professional.
Don't restrict your eating or count calories in the daytime if you have SRED as it can lead to late-night cravings.
Underlying causes of SRED can range from sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea to medications such as some antidepressants or sedatives.
Unfortunately, no one else can save you from SRED. You have to be your own best advocate. Following the ideas in this gallery and educating yourself are great steps first steps.
If you know you're prone to or have been experiencing SRED, it's important to take safety precautions. Things like locking the kitchen doors, hiding utensils, and securing hazardous substances can go a long way.
Questions such as, "What caused my symptoms?", "What lifestyle changes should I make?", and "Are there side effects of the treatment?" are all excellent questions to ask a doctor.
Sources: (Clevland Clinic) (CNN Health) (ASSM)
See also: Healthy foods that can be harmful is you eat too much
Treatment success rates can vary wildly. It's important for those affected to look into individualized treatment plans and adhere to them strictly.
It could also be helpful to do a Polysomnography or sleep study. The test will chart your brain waves, heart rate, and breathing while you are sleeping.
For someone who experiences SRED, it's important to try and manage stress in the best way possible, maintain consistent sleep routines, and always keep your doctor in the loop.
With SRED, there is a preference for ultra-processed comfort foods such as candy, chips, and cakes.
You may have heard of people walking in their sleep, but have you heard of those who eat while asleep? Sleep-related eating disorder can have serious effects and it's important to educate yourself in case this disorder affects you or your loved ones. In this gallery, you'll find the leading causes of sleep-related eating disorder as well as how to address it, when to see a doctor, and even top questions to ask a medical professional.
Curious about sleep-related eating disorders? Click through now to find out more.
Sleep-related eating disorder: unraveling the mystery of midnight munching
What is it and should you be concerned?
HEALTH Ed
You may have heard of people walking in their sleep, but have you heard of those who eat while asleep? Sleep-related eating disorder can have serious effects and it's important to educate yourself in case this disorder affects you or your loved ones. In this gallery, you'll find the leading causes of sleep-related eating disorder as well as how to address it, when to see a doctor, and even top questions to ask a medical professional.
Curious about sleep-related eating disorders? Click through now to find out more.