Author Question: Can people eat while they are asleep? ... (Read 59 times)

09madisonrousseau09 · **on:** Aug 20, 2018

Can people eat while they are asleep?

Question 2

What is binge-eating disorder?

akpaschal · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 20, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) is characterized by eating while asleep. 1-3 in the general population are estimated to have it, but rates may increase to 10 to 15 among people who have eating disorders. Individuals cannot recall eating episodes, yet evidence exists of late-night food consumption and unexplained weight gain. Foods typically consumed are those high in fat and kcalories, and SRED may involve unusual food combinations. It is more common in women. Some researchers believe diet restriction, stress, and dieting can trigger SRED.

Answer to Question 2

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognizes binge-eating disorder (BED) as distinct from bulimia nervosa. It is characterized by recurring episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time. Food has a numbing effect and induces a state of well-being. The APA's diagnosis requires that a person eat excessively large amounts of food in a two-hour period at least twice per week for at least 6 months; feel a lack of control over the episodes; and experience feelings of disgust, depression, or guilt in response to overeating. There are more people with BED than AN and BN combined (1 to 5 of the general population). They can be normal weight, but most are overweight. Between 20 and 40 of obese patients experience BED.