Risk factors

Sleep-related eating disorder is more common in women and typically starts in the teenage years or the early 20s.

Increased risk of developing sleep-related eating disorder is associated with:

• Other sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, sleepwalking, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome
• Hypnotic sleep medications, such as zolpidem (Ambien, Edluar, Intermezzo, Zolpimist), and certain other medications, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics
• Having a daytime eating disorder, such as bulimia or anorexia
• Having a mental health disorder, such as stress, anxiety or depression
• Having a first-degree relative — a parent, child or sibling — with sleep-related eating disorder or sleepwalking
• Experiencing sleep deprivation