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Related Concept Videos

Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Narcolepsy01:07

Narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic sleep disorder characterized by pervasive, uncontrolled sleepiness and other sleep disturbances. One of its hallmark symptoms is an abrupt transition to REM sleep upon falling asleep, which causes symptoms typically associated with this phase to occur unexpectedly during wakefulness. These include the following symptoms, which typically last from a minute or two to half an hour.
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking01:17

Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking

Somnambulism, commonly known as sleepwalking, involves individuals engaging in activities ranging from simple walking to more complex behaviors such as driving. Sleepwalking typically occurs during the slow-wave sleep stages 3 and 4 early in the night when the person is not dreaming, contradicting the myth that sleepwalkers are acting out their dreams.
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REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
Binge Eating Disorders01:23

Binge Eating Disorders

Binge eating disorder is a significant mental health condition characterized by recurrent episodes of excessive food consumption within a short period, accompanied by a perceived loss of control over eating behavior. Unlike occasional overeating, binge eating disorder is marked by distressing emotions such as guilt, shame, and anxiety following binge episodes. The disorder affects individuals across different ages and backgrounds, with profound implications for physical and psychological...
Insomnia01:27

Insomnia

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Through-the-Wall Blood Sampling Method to Minimize Sleep Disruption in Clinical Settings
06:39

Through-the-Wall Blood Sampling Method to Minimize Sleep Disruption in Clinical Settings

Published on: June 13, 2025

Sleep-related eating disorders.

R Robert Auger1

  • 1Sleep Disorders Center and Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. auger.raymond1@mayo.edu

Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township))
|September 30, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Nocturnal eating syndrome is an eating disorder with insomnia, while sleep-related eating disorder is a parasomnia often linked to other sleep issues. Both conditions may benefit from pharmacotherapy and can lead to obesity complications.

Keywords:
Eating disordersnocturnal eating syndromeparasomniasleep-related eatingsomnambulism

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Area of Science:

  • Sleep Medicine
  • Psychiatry
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Nocturnal eating syndrome and sleep-related eating disorder share features but have distinct classifications.
  • Nocturnal eating syndrome is primarily an eating disorder with insomnia.
  • Sleep-related eating disorder is classified as a parasomnia, often co-occurring with other sleep disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate between nocturnal eating syndrome and sleep-related eating disorder.
  • To highlight the importance of careful clinical evaluation for accurate diagnosis.
  • To discuss therapeutic approaches and potential medical comorbidities.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical history and evaluation are crucial for distinguishing the two conditions.
  • Pharmacotherapies have shown effectiveness for both disorders.
  • Nonsomatic therapies alone are generally not effective.

Main Results:

  • Nocturnal eating syndrome is characterized as an eating disorder with associated insomnia.
  • Sleep-related eating disorder is a parasomnia frequently affiliated with other primary sleep disorders.
  • Effective pharmacotherapies exist for both conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis through careful evaluation is essential for appropriate management.
  • Pharmacotherapy is a key treatment modality for both nocturnal eating syndrome and sleep-related eating disorder.
  • Both conditions carry risks of significant medical comorbidities, including refractory obesity.