About 1.5% of the population, or as many as 4 million Americans, may suffer from nocturnal sleep-related eating disorder (NSRED), a rare condition marked by binge-eating during certain phases of sleep. Patients may complain of fatigue or recent illnesses but have no recollection of their nighttime forays into the kitchen, where they may wolf down high-calorie foods such as milkshakes and butter.

Some individuals report eating cat food and cleaning products. Not surprisingly, the condition is more common among obese people. The scope of the problem of nocturnal sleep-related eating is only beginning to be understood.

While the cause of the rare disorder is unknown stress, low levels of the hormones melatonin and cortisol, as well as the condition sleep apnea may play a role.

The researchers concede that there is no cure for the problem but recommend behavioral steps that may minimize the problem, including exercising regularly, avoiding caffeine after lunch, and avoiding sedatives and alcohol up to 4 hours before bedtime.

Some patients have been known to put locks on the refrigerator door and limit the amount of food at home.

RN April 2002;65:41-42