Tips For A Long Healthy Life: 'Overeating in Your Sleep?'

Tips For A Long Healthy Life: 'Overeating in Your Sleep?' 

Dr. Weil's Daily Tips, February 2, 2011

Read below to find out more about Night Eating Syndrome, a combination of a sleeping disorder and an eating disorder mainly affecting women.

Night eating syndrome (NES) is a combination diagnosis of a sleeping disorder and an eating disorder. It is characterized by eating a variety of things - from the usual pantry items to less people-friendly fare such as cat food and cigarettes - while asleep, often with no recollection of these nocturnal binges. While most reported cases of NES have occurred among women, men can have NES as well. If you or a loved one has experienced NES, do not lock the kitchen or the refrigerator to discourage the binges, as you may end up eating something from another room that is toxic or dangerous. Instead, I recommend seeking treatment at a sleep disorders center for NES.