Do you ever wake up with jam on your face and a kitchen counter covered with crumbs? Maybe you feel bloated, or you might have a stomach ache. If any of the above applies to you, you may have a nocturnal eating disorder.
Nocturnal eating disorder is not wide-spread. It sometimes, but not always, strikes people with other problems, like alcoholism, diabetes or sleep disorders. People who walk in their sleep or suffer from sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome are very susceptible, probably because of their restless sleep habits.
Many of the victims of this sleep-eating syndrome are overweight. Much of the food ingested during night bingeing is of high sugar or fat content. Greasy doughnuts are a favorite, as are potato chips and chocolate bars.
Night bingers seldom remember night time eating. Recent studies indicate that about two thirds of the victims are women. Night eating syndrome was first mentioned in 1955 in The American Journal of Medicine. However, it's only the last couple of years that it has become a problem, probably because of the easy access to snack and junk foods.
Nocturnal eating disorder is a parasomnia and is often associated with sleep walking. It can affect anyone, but is most often associated with young women. Some medications prescribed for depression or insomnia may cause the onset of sleep eating syndrome.
Although at first glance, sleep eating syndrome may seem harmless although irritating, it does have its own dangers. With the extra calories, most of them empty calories from junk food, obesity must be considered.
With the victim asleep, he or she is not aware of what is happening, the throat is more relaxed, and therefor there is a danger of choking. Also, some victims of night eating disorder not only eat. they cook a meal, and, not being in an alert state, are in danger from fire and sharp utensils.
If you think you may be suffering from nocturnal eating syndrome, or any other eating disorder, help is available. Please get in touch with Eating Disorders Shared Awareness and ask for their help.
