Sleep Eating Disorders - Causes
Stress, along with some disturbance in regulation of different phases of sleep, can cause Sleep Eating Disorder
In most cases the sleep eating is the outward manifestation of an underlying problem.
Many sufferers are engaged in dieting due to weight problems. While sleeping, their control is less hence they tend to binge at night to satisfy their hunger.
Individuals suffering this disorder may have a history of drug abuse and alcoholism. They could also be suffering other forms of sleep disorder like Restless Legs Syndrome, Sleep walking, or Sleep Apnea. Sleep eating may also be directly linked to the onset of other medical problems.
Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (NS-RED) is said to be an arousal disorder in which the episodes probably occur in a state between wakefulness and sleep.
Although the cause of Nocturnal Sleep Related Eating Disorder is not exactly known, it may be due to inordinate stress related to life circumstances and emotional difficulties. Stress about self-imposed rules regarding dieting, a forced low weight, and an attempt to get missing nutrients may also cause NS-RED.
Other factors that may lead to the development of NS-RED include the following:
- Use of certain medications, especially those used to treat depression and sleep problems
- Giving up the habit of smoking
- Stopping the abuse of alcohol / drugs
- Stress
- Dieting during the day
- Daytime eating disorders
- Narcolepsy
- Post-Hepatitis (liver infection) Post-Encephalitis (brain swelling)
