Understanding Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (SRED): Symptoms and Causes
Sleep-related Eating Disorder (SRED) is a rare but serious condition that causes a person to eat while asleep. The condition is also known as Nocturnal Sleep-Related Eating Disorder (NSRED), or sometimes as Sleep Eating Disorder (SED). It is a type of parasomnia, which refers to any abnormal behavior that occurs during sleep.
Symptoms of SRED:
· Eating while asleep or at night
· Consuming large amounts of food during the episode
· Difficulty remembering the episode
· Binge eating behaviors
· Eating unusual or inedible foods
Causes of SRED:
The exact cause of SRED is unknown, but several factors may contribute to its development, including:
· Genetics
· Medications
· Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
· Sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
· Stress
10 Tips for dealing with SRED:
1. Discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider.
2. Keep a food diary to better understand your eating patterns.
3. Try not to keep unhealthy foods in the house.
4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime.
5. Keep your bedroom dark and quiet to promote restful sleep.
6. Establish a regular sleeping routine.
7. Get regular exercise to help alleviate stress.
8. Work with an online counsellor to address any underlying psychological or emotional issues.
9. Consider keeping your bedroom door locked to prevent dangerous behavior.
10. Consider marriage counselling if your SRED episodes are impacting your relationship.
In conclusion, SRED can significantly negatively impact your health and well-being if left untreated. Seeking help from a healthcare professional or online counsellor is the first step in managing this condition. Use these tips to better manage your sleep and ultimately your eating habits. To talk to a counsellor about Sleep-related Eating Disorder go to
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