A review of nighttime eating disorders

Nighttime eating is categorized as either night eating syndrome (NES) or steep-related eating disorder (SRED). These conditions represent an interruption in the overnight fast that characterizes human steep. A critical review of the literature on NES and SRED will suggest that they are situated at opposite poles of a disordered eating spectrum. NES could be considered an abnormality in the circadian rhythm of meat timing with a normal circadian timing of steep onset. Conversely, the feeding behavior in SRED is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating after an arousal from nighttime steep with or without amnesia. Both conditions are often relentless and chronic. Multiple definitions of night eating have limited our ability to determine the exact prevalence of NES. Studies have suggested that central nervous system (CNS) serotonin modulation may lead to an effective treatment of NES. SIRED is frequently associated with other steep disorders, in particular parasomnias. Early studies have shown that the anti-seizure medication topiramate may be an effective treatment for SIRED. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.