Archived Questions
Question of the Week - September 3, 2001
"I have a severe problem with sleep walking and eating. I am aware that this is a medical condition which was recently given a diagnostics code, however, I can't find any help and am desperate. I wake with only a vague memory of wandering the house and eating. Usually I wake up on the couch downstairs and don't even remember how I got there. I am a highly functional and successful woman without any psychological disorder but am truly in need of help with this."
Answer to the Question of the Week
What you are describing appears to be "Sleep-related eating disorder", which is a form of conventional sleepwalking. In this rare disorder, most victims experience nightly binge eating, and their state during these episodes is described as "half awake, half asleep." Most do not remember the event. Many suffer from weight problems because of this disturbing problem. There could be a risk of burn injuries when victims use the stove during their episodes. Although there is little research to-date, it appears that medication may be the most effective treatment. I encourage you to seek help at a Sleep Disorders Center accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine; a listing can be found at their website http://www.aasmnet.org/.
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