Common Types Of Sleeping and Eating Disorders

There are generally two types of night sleeping and eating disorders. They are Nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder (NS-RED) and Night eating syndrome. Though both the names sound similar but they refer to different kinds of sleeping and eating disorders.

For a better understanding of the above mentioned sleeping and eating disorders, let us first define these. NS-RED is a type of sleep disorder in which people eat while seeming to be sound asleep. On the other hand, night eating syndrome, people generally tend to do overeating during night and hence are unable to sleep. The difference between the two is that, in night eating syndrome the person is aware of his eating despite feeling guilty about it.

Night sleeping and eating disorders are relatively unknown and these phenomenons are still under investigation. Studies are being done and treatments for this sleep disorder are being developed.

Night sleeping and eating is common when such episodes occur once in a time lapse of six months or so but more frequent occurrences refers to the chronic state.

People with sleeping and eating disorders usually have other night disorders such as the sleepwalking, sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome. These people generally have suffered from alcoholism or drug abuse. People who diet during the day or refuse certain kinds of food to avoid obesity are more prone to have night sleeping and eating disorder. Often they would be found cherishing and relishing the dishes that they have been denied or refused. Women are more vulnerable to night sleeping and eating disorders as compared to male counterparts. Stress, over anxiety or depression may also lead to sleeping and eating disorders. Tests have revealed that these people have high levels of cortisol hormone, a hormone related to stress.

The most logical implication of night sleeping and eating disorder is that this could result in excessive weight gain, obesity and choking while eating. The night eaters primarily do not have a control over their eating. In cases of NS-RED, the person is unaware of his behavior and often feels surprised and embarrassed on realizing that he has been eating during the night. Strangely enough, the categories of food chosen by these night eaters are rich in carbohydrates and starch. These people can interestingly, also choose to have strange combinations of food.

Sleeping and eating disorder can be treated by use of behavioral therapies in combination with certain medications. The person's brain activity can be monitored to determine stress levels and other sleep related disorders that may be the cause. Sleeping pills are a definite NO for people with sleeping and eating disorders. Stress management therapies, exercises for the body, counseling etc are suggested.

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