Nocturnal Eating Disorders
These types of sleep problems occur more frequently in those suffering from eating disorders and depression.

Two types of nighttime eating disorders exist. Nocturnal eating syndrome occurs most commonly in people with daytime eating disorders or depression. They are usually light sleepers and awaken frequently. Within minutes after getting out of bed, people with this condition raid the refrigerator and begin wolfing down food. Although they aren't really hungry, they can't go back to sleep without eating. In some people with this type of disorder, overeating occurs only during sleep hours, and not at times when they are fully awake. The person is fully alert during the episode and can recall it the next day. This type should be treated as an eating disorder.

The other disorder, called sleep-related eating disorder, is a combination of a sleep disorder and an eating disorder. People with this disorder experience partial arousals similar to sleepwalking but respond by eating. Often they consume unhealthful, high-calorie food. They report being half-awake or asleep during the episodes and have very poor memory of the events or no recollection at all. This type also occurs more frequently in those with eating disorders and depression. However, treatment should be for both the sleep disorder and the existing eating disorder.

Nocturnal eating occurs in children and adults, and it can sometimes be traced to an illness or traumatic event. A medical evaluation may reveal an ulcer, a history of strict dieting, bulimia, or a sleep problem such as narcolepsy, sleepwalking, sleep apnea, or periodic limb movements. Sometimes medications prescribed for depression or insomnia can cause this disorder. A number of medicines have been tried to treat these disorders, including dopaminergic agents, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opiates, but results have been mixed.

From the Harvard Health Publications Special Health Report, Improving Sleep: A Guide to a Good Night's Rest. Copyright 2005 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. Illustrations by Harriet Greenfield. All rights reserved. Written permission is required to reproduce, in any manner, in whole or in part, the material contained herein. To make a reprint request, contact Harvard Health Publications. Used with permission of StayWell.