Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED) – What is it?

Repeated instances of compulsive binge eating and drinking while in a semi-awake state is considered a sleep-related eating disorder.

When it happens, you typically have no memory of the event, and it is very difficult to wake up from an episode fully. Usually, people eat recklessly and have little or no control and become very angry and resistant if another person tries to wake them and stop them.

Most people with this sleeping disorder will experience an eating episode every night, and some eat more than once in a night even though they do not feel hungry or thirsty. Episodes may occur at any time during the night and usually do not last long. A typical episode may last just ten minutes in its entirety. Typically sugary, fatty foods and foods high in calories are eaten when one is on their nightly binge. Oddly enough, people with Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED) typically prefer foods they would not typically choose to eat while awake and may even eat foods that they are allergic to.

What causes it?

It is very common to have had another sleep disorder before developing Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED); the most common is sleepwalking as a child. Some of the other most common ones are:

  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Periodic limb movement disorder
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Irregular sleep-wake rhythm

Other found causes include:

  • Ending the habit of smoking
  • Ending the abuse of alcohol or drugs
  • Stress
  • Dieting during the day
  • Daytime eating disorders
  • Narcolepsy

Possible Solutions

In treating Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED), it is important to get enough sleep since sleep deprivation may cause these episodes to increase in frequency and severity. You should try to make the path to the kitchen as free from obstacles and as safe as possible to prevent injury during potential episodes before and while receiving treatment. We also recommend you get an appropriate amount of sleep as a sleep deficiency can increase the likelihood of another episode. The good news is that there are medications available to treat SRED that patients tend to respond well to.

Why get treatment?

Getting treatment for SRED is important as it may put you at risk for an allergic reaction, weight gain, or a physical injury. While SRED is treatable with medication, it’s important to determine if your SRED developed from as a result of another sleep disorder and get proper treatment for that as well.

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.