If the underlying problem is diagnosed as sleepwalking, medications in the benzodiazepine family have had some success. In sleepwalkers, this class of drugs reduces motor activity during sleep. Refer to the chart in the Restless Legs section of this website for more information about dopaminergic agents and benzodiazepines . If the underlying problem is a primary sleep disorder, such as sleep apnea or narcolepsy , check out the sections on this web site devoted to the treatment of these disorders. It is different from sleep eating in that the individual is awake during episodes of nocturnal bingeing.
Affected individuals are physically unable to sleep without food intake.
The Merck Manual lists night eating under the heading obesity. Because night eating is associated with increased weight gain as well as insomnia, this may cause the individual stress, anxiety, or depression. Night eating or drinking may occur once or many times during the night. People who are night eaters typically avoid food until noon or later, eat small portions frequently when they do eat, and binge in the evening. They are usually overweight and in adults, overly stressed or anxious.