Nighttime Eating and Memory Loss May Signal Sleep Disorder, Not Hunger, Doctor Says

Waking up in the middle of the night to raid the refrigerator, only to have no memory of it the next day, might be more than just a sign of hunger. Dr. Yu Guan-tang, a psychiatrist at Zhou Bohan Psychiatry Clinic, warns that such episodes could be indicative of a sleep-related eating disorder (SRED), a condition that carries risks beyond impacting health.

He described cases where individuals, often after taking sleep medication, were found by family members rummaging through the kitchen at night, sometimes mixing unusual food combinations. While appearing awake, they were unresponsive to questions and had no recollection of their actions the following morning. This contrasts with night eating syndrome (NES), where individuals are fully conscious and remember their nighttime eating habits, albeit with an unusually strong appetite.

The primary danger of SRED, according to Dr. Yu, lies in the potential for accidents. Patients may injure themselves with knives, suffer burns from cooking, or even ingest unsuitable items due to their semi-conscious state. The presence of gas stoves or sharp objects in the home poses a significant risk of burns, fires, or other injuries.

Dr. Yu explained that SRED can be linked to other sleep disturbances like sleepwalking, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. Certain sedative-hypnotic medications, particularly zolpidem, eszopiclone, and zaleplon, have also been identified as potential triggers. However, he stressed that patients should not discontinue medication without professional medical advice, as adjustments should be made by a qualified physician.

He advises individuals who suspect they or a family member might have a nighttime eating issue to consider their level of consciousness and memory of the event. If there is little to no memory, SRED is a stronger possibility. Dr. Yu concluded that nighttime eating is not always a matter of willpower but can be a signal from the body, emphasizing the importance of identifying the underlying cause rather than assigning blame.