Nocturnal Eating Disorder

Sleep eating syndrome is a type of sleeping disorder in which the patient eats while clinically asleep. Due to unconsciously eating while asleep, the patient often consumes an excessive amount calories and this usually results in weight gain. In most instances, because of the individual's lack of judgment, the affected person may overeat junk food. This type of food  is very high in calories, fat and sugars, which can exacerbate the health problems associated with this sleeping disorder. Another major risk of nocturnal eating disorder is the possibility of the person actually cooking while they are asleep. The individual  is not aware of cooking with fire, heat or sharp utensils and as you can imagine this is potentially very dangerous.  Nocturnal eating disorder is not technically regarded as an eating disorder, but  it is actually classified as a sleep disorder.

If you think you may have nocturnal eating disorder there are several things you can do. Of utmost importance is to be accurately diagnosed. Talk to your doctor about what you have been experiencing and they will undertake an examination and based on their findings they may suggest that you spend a night in a laboratory to monitor your sleep. If you are diagnosed with nocturnal eating disorder there are a variety of possible treatments available. Most health practitioners will recommend preventative actions that can help to reduce the incidence of nocturnal eating sessions. Here are some of the most helpful tips for anyone who might be suffering from a nocturnal eating disorder.

Exercise has been shown to have a significant impact on reducing the incidence of nocturnal eating sessions. Even gentle exercise undertaken for a few minutes every day can be very effective. You may consider experimenting with walking, cycling or yoga.  However it is recommended that you exercise earlier in the day if possible, because exercising too late in the day has been shown to make it harder to get to sleep. Even very simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference toward increasing your daily level of activity. Try walking to work, parking further away from the grocery store when you do your shopping, or instead of taking the elevator, walk up the stairs. These very simple adjustments can have a big impact on your daily activity level.

Avoid stimulating beverages including coffee and diet sodas. Even green tea which is lower in caffeine than coffee can interfere with sleep if it is consumed too late in the day. It is recommended that anything containing caffeine be avoided after 4pm and earlier if you have a sensitivity to caffeine. Some over the counter medications also have the capacity to interfere with sleep so avoid these if you know you are susceptible to these effects. Alcohol and tobacco can also disrupt sleep patterns and are best eliminated if possible.

Chamomile tea in the evening can promote relaxation and improve sleep and this is a great alternative to coffee or tea. A small evening snack such as a banana, a low sugar oatmeal cookie, or a glass of warm milk can also help to stabilize blood glucose levels which not only makes it easier to get to sleep, but may also reduce the tendency to nocturnal eating disorder.
 
A warm bath before bedtime can be very relaxing and this gives the body a signal that it is time to unwind from the day. However showers are best avoided at this time of the day, especially cold showers, as they can have a stimulating effect that could interfere with the ability to fall asleep.

Talk to your health professional about medications that may be appropriate for you. Certain medications can be helpful for the treatment of nocturnal eating disorder including anti-depressants such as Wellbutrin. Other medications that have been shown to be of benefit for nocturnal eating disorders include anti-seizure medications. It is advised to avoid sedatives as these can exacerbate the condition. Ambien in particular is actually known for triggering nocturnal eating disorders in individuals with no previous history of the condition.

By Mizpah Matus