Sleep-Related Eating Disorder

Risk Factors for Sleep-Related Eating Disorder

Women are more likely to develop sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) than men. It usually first occurs in a patient's 20s.

The disorder is more common in people who were sleepwalkers as children. It also appears to be linked to other sleep disorders such as:

• Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)
• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
• Irregular sleep-wake rhythm
• Sleep-related dissociative disorders
• Narcolepsy

Other risk factors include:

• Medications, especially those used to treat insomnia or depression
• Nicotine, alcohol or other substance withdrawal
• Dieting and eating disorders
• Stress (usually involving separation reactions from partners)