Let's learn about the strange condition of sleepwalking and eating (Sleep-Related Eating Disorder)

Have you ever woken up in the morning and walked into the kitchen to find jam or butter splattered everywhere, and dishes piled up in the sink? Or has someone at home told you, "You woke up at night and opened the fridge and ate food"? But you have no memory of it. While this may seem like a dream, it could actually be a medical condition that requires treatment.

Simply put, what is sleep-restricted eating (SRED)?

This is what we medically call Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED) . Simply put, this is an abnormal behavior that occurs during sleep. Doctors call such conditions `(Parasomnia)`. A person with SRED wakes up in the middle of the night, prepares food, eats, and sometimes even drinks. But the strangest thing is, when they wake up in the morning, they don't remember any of this. Your doctor may also call this `(Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder - NS-RED)`.

It's not a good idea to just dismiss this as a strange habit. Because it can be really dangerous. Just think about how likely it is that you'll burn yourself when you turn on the stove in your sleep, or cut your hand while cutting a vegetable with a knife. Some people may even eat things that are not suitable for eating, or even poisonous. That's why it's very important to talk to your doctor about this.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

If you are wondering if you have this condition, take a look at these symptoms. Let's look at this table to understand it clearly.

How do these things happen?

This sleep eating can happen every night, or it can happen occasionally. For some people, it even happens several times in the same night.

This usually happens in the first few hours after we fall asleep, during the deep sleep (NREM - nonrapid eye movement sleep). It is very difficult to wake someone up when they are sleep-eating. They are in a state of altered consciousness. The best thing to do is to gently guide them back to bed.

Why is this happening? What could be the reasons?

Although the exact reason why this happens has not been found, research has found several factors that may influence this.

• Other underlying medical conditions: Some medical conditions (e.g., `Encephalitis` - inflammation of the brain, `Hepatitis` - inflammation of the liver) can cause this.
• Mental health issues: Things like excessive stress , anxiety , depression , other eating disorders, and substance use disorders can affect.
• Lifestyle changes: Imagine if you are a smoker, this situation is likely to occur if you suddenly stop smoking or start dieting.
• Side effects of certain medications: This can be caused by certain medications, especially sedative-hypnotics, benzodiazepines, and some medications for mental illness.

Other sleep problems related to SRED

Sometimes, SRED occurs as a result of another sleep problem.

• `Circadian rhythm sleep disorders` (disruption of the body's natural sleep pattern)
• Narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness)
• `Periodic limb movement disorder` (involuntary jerking of limbs during sleep)
• Restless legs syndrome (discomfort in the legs when going to sleep)
• Sleep apnea (stopping breathing during sleep)
• `Sleepwalking`

These sleep problems can run in families. This means that if someone in your family has these types of sleep problems, you are at some risk of developing SRED too.

What are the possible dangers and complications?

You may be wondering, "What are the dangers of sleep-eating?" But this can actually lead to serious consequences.

• Physical dangers: There is a risk of cutting something with a knife while you are asleep and cutting your hand , or lighting a stove and burning yourself .
• Food poisoning: You can get food poisoning from eating things that are not good to eat raw (raw meat, raw eggs).
• Ingestion of other substances: Ingestion of inedible substances can cause poisoning .

In addition to this, there is another dangerous thing that can happen. Imagine if you lit a gas stove in your sleep and forgot to turn it off, or if you put something that can easily catch fire on top of a stove that is already lit, how likely is it to start a fire ?

Also, in the long term, this condition can cause other health problems.

• Weight gain and obesity
• Depression
• Daytime fatigue and sleepiness

How does a doctor find this?

When you go to see a doctor, he or she will ask you about your symptoms. Since you may not remember what happened at night, you may also want to ask someone at home (family member, partner) about this.

Then, they will determine if the cause is another medical condition or a medication you are taking. You may be asked to keep a "sleep diary" for a few weeks. This means recording the time you go to bed, the time you wake up, how you feel when you wake up, and any meals you know you have had at night.

If you need to investigate this further, you may be referred for a "sleep study." This is done in a special center, where your body and brain are monitored while you sleep.

How is it treated?

The treatment method depends on what is causing your SRED condition.

• Changing medications: If the cause is a medication you are taking, your doctor may recommend stopping, changing, or reducing the dosage. Never stop or change medications on your own.
• Treating underlying conditions: If another medical condition or mental health problem is the cause, proper treatment can help control SRED.
• Take safety precautions: While you are waiting for the results of your treatment, it is important to avoid accidents. You can put locks on the fridge and cupboards where you keep food, hang a small bell on the kitchen door or your bedroom door, etc. It is also a good idea to remove any objects that could trip you on the way from bed to kitchen.

Lifestyle changes and good sleep (Sleep Hygiene)

Sometimes, making small changes to our lifestyle can improve the quality of our sleep and control this condition.

• Manage stress: Try things like yoga and meditation.
• Avoid these things before bed: caffeine-containing drinks like coffee and tea, staring at phone/tab/TV screens, and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Establish a regular sleep schedule: Get into the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

Some people are given medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These are commonly prescribed for depression. They help regulate levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain, helping to regulate mood and sleep patterns.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have even the slightest suspicion that you are sleep eating, do not delay and see a doctor immediately. This is something that affects your health as well as the safety of others in your household. So do not take this lightly. The best person who can help you is your doctor.

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