III. EATING DURING SLEEP

-Individuals with this often serious disorder may initially experience some sleepwalking without eating, but then develop a pattern of bizarre eating in sleep--typically high carbohydrate foods--which are eaten sloppily in large quantities. The behaviors are frequently nightly with resulting weight gain and increased risk of diabetes and dental caries. Most have no awareness of the abnormal behavior while it is occurring and may resist efforts to make them stop eating.

-A minority have histories of eating disorders in wakefulness. It can be caused by sleeping pills, such as Ambien, and by sedating antidepressant medications. It sometimes is associated with Sleep apnea. Treatment is available.

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