Eating in my sleep

sjackson310
sjackson310 Posts: 23
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi, this is my first time posting here, but I've been using MFP on and off for a couple years, and consistently on for the last 5 or more weeks. I have lost 7 lbs, and have 12 lbs left to lose (not weighing myself again until Dec. 16 because I am taking a month off from the scale). Anyways, I work as an RN 3 days a week, with 13+ hour shifts. So on the days I don't go to work, I go to the gym and burn between 500-1,000 calories, depending on how many hours I can spend there that day. I eat at 1,490, all measured, net. So on the days i don't work out due to work, I eat those calories, and the days I do work out, I eat between 1,200-1,400 net.

Anyways, doing this, during the times that I am awake i feel great. Not hungry or anything. When I go to bed I feel fine. Then it seems like every other night for the past week or two, I wake up to find myself eating. Not kidding. It's usually never more than 150-300 calories, and it's typically things like yogurt or these 100 calorie snack bags (chocolate cookies, brownie bites, etc). This morning i woke up with the white chocolate covered pretzels in bed all over me. I apparently ate 2 100 calorie bags of these last night. Or at least tried to. When this is going on, I remember it, but it feels like I am dreaming so I eat away. And wake up to wrappers/containers on the bedside table.

1.) Is this my body saying I am not eating enough? Or just me getting late night munchies for low calorie snacks or what????
2.) I really don't want to get rid of these snacks because I use them throughout the day when i am awake.
3.) Any advice? Does this happen to anyone else? This hasn't happened to me before so I am kind of lost.

Thanks. And this is a totally serious post, unfortunately.

Replies

  • QuietBloom
    QuietBloom Posts: 5,413 Member
    Are you taking Ambien by any chance?
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    I wouldn't be so much worried about my calorie intake than I would be about bigger issues you may have. I would really go see a doctor about this.
  • _KitKat_
    _KitKat_ Posts: 1,066 Member
    Not a clue but...
    http://my.clevelandclinic.org/neurological_institute/sleep-disorders-center/disorders-conditions/hic-sleep-related-eating-disorders.aspx
    and
    http://www.mayoclinic.org/sleep-related-eating-disorder/


    Plus the ambien is a very good question, people do all kinds of crazy *kitten* on that stuff.
  • Keiras_Mom
    Keiras_Mom Posts: 844 Member
    I know of one woman who frequents another board I belong to who has been sleep-eating for a long time. She gained a lot of weight doing so. My understanding is that it's not related to what you're eating, but it's rather another issue like sleep walking. I'm not sure what your trigger is, but honestly, it might take speaking with a professional. The woman I referenced actually has to keep pretty much all food out of her apartment. She shops every day for most things. If her partner brings something "snacky" or whatever into the apartment, she makes sure not to let the sleep-eater know where it is.

    I know this isn't probably what you were hoping to read, and it may not apply to you at all, but that's my limited experience with the issue.
  • loriq41
    loriq41 Posts: 479 Member
    Yah...you are having some disturbing issues beyond the extra calories..and this could be dangerous if you choke!
  • sjackson310
    sjackson310 Posts: 23
    No, I am not taking Ambien. I do take 1-2 25 mg tablets of Benadryl almost every night, because I love how much sleep I get on the days I don't work (and on the days i do have to work, I want to make sure I fall asleep quickly). But I have been doing this for a year or so now.

    What bigger issues?
  • sjackson310
    sjackson310 Posts: 23
    The only other thing I can think of is I pee a lot at night (sorry, TMI). For the last couple of years i wake up almost every night to pee at least once. Usually twice, even if I get only 6 hours of sleep. It has gotten to the point with that that I pretty much get up to go to the bathroom while I am practically still asleep. It doesn't cause me to miss any sleep because I go right back to sleep. I don't ever recall eating in my sleep except for back in July of this year I went on a huge family vacation to Florida and they kept donuts everywhere (my favorite food) and cheetohs, and i noticed some nights I was getting up and eating donuts and cheetohs, but it stopped when i came home.
  • _KitKat_
    _KitKat_ Posts: 1,066 Member
    No, I am not taking Ambien. I do take 1-2 25 mg tablets of Benadryl almost every night, because I love how much sleep I get on the days I don't work (and on the days i do have to work, I want to make sure I fall asleep quickly). But I have been doing this for a year or so now.

    What bigger issues?

    Long term use of Benadryl is very dangerous...http://www.livestrong.com/article/28609-side-effects-longterm-benadryl-use/

    I would definitely make an appointment with my doctor.

    ETA saw you 3rd post, You may want a sleep study done, even if you think you are not missing sleep you are disturbing your sleep cycles. My daughter was a big sleep walker till she got her tonsils removed, they said she had sleep apnea due to them and it caused her sleep walking. They were removed and she has never done it since.
  • sjackson310
    sjackson310 Posts: 23
    Well that's scary! I don't have it that bad, and it only just started. I don't know if I am a big sleep walker, but my boyfriend (lives with me) says that when i fall asleep before he does, he sees me get up to go to the bathroom, then go right back to sleep.
    The other thing is, I pretty much eat the same things and I totally remember opening the fridge or pantry door and getting stuff to eat, but it doesn't feel like I am really doing it.
    I know of one woman who frequents another board I belong to who has been sleep-eating for a long time. She gained a lot of weight doing so. My understanding is that it's not related to what you're eating, but it's rather another issue like sleep walking. I'm not sure what your trigger is, but honestly, it might take speaking with a professional. The woman I referenced actually has to keep pretty much all food out of her apartment. She shops every day for most things. If her partner brings something "snacky" or whatever into the apartment, she makes sure not to let the sleep-eater know where it is.

    I know this isn't probably what you were hoping to read, and it may not apply to you at all, but that's my limited experience with the issue.
  • sjackson310
    sjackson310 Posts: 23
    Let me take a look at this article, thank you.
    No, I am not taking Ambien. I do take 1-2 25 mg tablets of Benadryl almost every night, because I love how much sleep I get on the days I don't work (and on the days i do have to work, I want to make sure I fall asleep quickly). But I have been doing this for a year or so now.

    What bigger issues?

    Long term use of Benadryl is very dangerous...http://www.livestrong.com/article/28609-side-effects-longterm-benadryl-use/

    I would definitely make an appointment with my doctor.
  • sjackson310
    sjackson310 Posts: 23
    My dad has sleep apnea, but I do not think i do. I do not snore and before this, I really only got up to pee. I always remember feeling a huge urge to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. I always feel refreshed and full of energy in the morning. When i was in nursing school (just graduated in may), I was always known for being able to fall asleep instantly during our ten minute breaks, etc. I love sleep :) i may need to stop taking benadryl :/
    No, I am not taking Ambien. I do take 1-2 25 mg tablets of Benadryl almost every night, because I love how much sleep I get on the days I don't work (and on the days i do have to work, I want to make sure I fall asleep quickly). But I have been doing this for a year or so now.

    What bigger issues?

    Long term use of Benadryl is very dangerous...http://www.livestrong.com/article/28609-side-effects-longterm-benadryl-use/

    I would definitely make an appointment with my doctor.

    ETA saw you 3rd post, You may want a sleep study done, even if you think you are not missing sleep you are disturbing your sleep cycles. My daughter was a big sleep walker till she got her tonsils removed, they said she had sleep apnea due to them and it caused her sleep walking. They were removed and she has never done it since.
  • FerretBuellerr
    FerretBuellerr Posts: 468 Member
    What bigger issues?

    Stress?

    My boyfriend sleep eats off and on. There's been a number of times that we've woken up in the morning to a half eaten peanut butter sandwich left beside him on the bed, or evidence of him making a sandwich or eating snacks in the kitchen (bread bag left open, butter knives on the counter, wrappers, etc.). It's only happened when he's under a lot of stress.
  • sjackson310
    sjackson310 Posts: 23


    Long term use of Benadryl is very dangerous...http://www.livestrong.com/article/28609-side-effects-longterm-benadryl-use/

    I would definitely make an appointment with my doctor.

    ETA saw you 3rd post, You may want a sleep study done, even if you think you are not missing sleep you are disturbing your sleep cycles. My daughter was a big sleep walker till she got her tonsils removed, they said she had sleep apnea due to them and it caused her sleep walking. They were removed and she has never done it since.

    I am going to look up more sources, just in case. I remember looking it up when i started taking it regularly and everywhere I saw said that it doesn't have any real side effects of long term use. However, I am sure anything like that taken for so long can't be too good for ya. I have never "upped" my dosage before, I just take 1-2 pills depending on how much sleep I will be able to get. I'll see if maybe that is the problem.
  • sjackson310
    sjackson310 Posts: 23
    I am sort of under some stress, but nothing too bad. I did just start my job as a labor and delivery nurse 2 months ago, same time I started working out. My boyfriend and I are recovering from a bit of a rough patch, but we've been a lot better these last few weeks & everything seems back to normal. Idk, maybe I am in denial.
    '
    What bigger issues?

    Stress?

    My boyfriend sleep eats off and on. There's been a number of times that we've woken up in the morning to a half eaten peanut butter sandwich left beside him on the bed, or evidence of him making a sandwich or eating snacks in the kitchen (bread bag left open, butter knives on the counter, wrappers, etc.). It's only happened when he's under a lot of stress.
  • rb16fitness
    rb16fitness Posts: 236 Member
    Not sure if adult onset sleep walking (eating) is common but I'd consider speaking to a doctor. Get some meds to knock you out completely before you escalate to roaming the streets or injure youself....
    Be sure to keep us informed, I'm intrigued.
  • sjackson310
    sjackson310 Posts: 23
    I will not have insurance till January 1st, I lost my insurance on Sept 10th, so I have to wait till the new year. But if this continues I will speak to my doctor about it. I am stopping the Benadryl tonight. I have always caught a lot of flack about it, so everyone is happy now. I am worried about not being sleepy on days i work, but at the same time i am sure i will pass out naturally just fine.
  • SofaKingRad_II
    SofaKingRad_II Posts: 591
    Are you taking Ambien by any chance?

    This. I took some Ambien a week or two ago but didnt' go right to sleep. My wife said I devoured probably about 30 or 40 pieces of Halloween candy. She said she took it away from me about 4 times too because I just kept eating it like a brain dead zombie. The next morning, I had no clue whatsoever. Then she showed me the wrappers :)
  • SoDamnHungry
    SoDamnHungry Posts: 6,998 Member
    Go to a doctor. It can be a side effect of medication or a sleep disorder.
  • pineapple_jojo
    pineapple_jojo Posts: 440 Member
    Glad you are stopping with the Benadryl - it can't be doing you much good. Please do updates on how you are getting on, I hope it works out for you!
  • kelly_e_montana
    kelly_e_montana Posts: 1,999 Member
    I don't take Ambien and I also eat in my sleep. I am vaguely aware of it when it's happening but it's as though I am not in control of my body. I have had times when I woke up with a few wrappers in my bed and I didn't remember eating at all. I eat enough (2000 calories per day). I am in recovery for Binge Eating Disorder but sometimes I find that I have eaten things in my sleep. There isn't a lot I can do about it except for making sure I don't go to bed hungry. I think its' more stress-relaxed and I am unwilling to go on any kind of medication (have tried meds lots of times but feel they do more harm than good in my case).

    Honestly since it's similar to the kind of things you eat, I'm just budgeting for it for lack of other options.
  • nextrightthing
    nextrightthing Posts: 408 Member
    Do you keep those food items beside your bed or have to get up to get them? I know a woman who sleep eats.... and she has no idea until she sees the evidence the next day. I think the concern is safety ,,,,, what kind of falls and accidents could occur when walking in your sleep?
  • pineapple_jojo
    pineapple_jojo Posts: 440 Member
    Oh just had a thought! I wear a fit bit flex which (aside from being a cool activity monitor) monitors your sleep. It records restlessness etc, might be helpful for you to get one perhaps?
  • lilawolf
    lilawolf Posts: 1,690 Member
    Until you can see a doctor, I suggest picking up magnetic door alarms. They are cheap, don't require wiring, and will make a loud noise (which will hopefully wake you up!) if the door it is on opens.

    Put one on every door in case you happen to graduate to sleep walking outside, sleep driving, sleep sex, or something else equally dangerous. You could also put them on the fridge and one cupboard that has your snacks in it.

    http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-Window-Door-Alarm-56789/202195337?N=c202#.Uo-_o4J6s-E
  • bumblebreezy91
    bumblebreezy91 Posts: 520 Member
    Are you taking Ambien by any chance?

    This. I took some Ambien a week or two ago but didnt' go right to sleep. My wife said I devoured probably about 30 or 40 pieces of Halloween candy. She said she took it away from me about 4 times too because I just kept eating it like a brain dead zombie. The next morning, I had no clue whatsoever. Then she showed me the wrappers :)

    Not to turn this into a thread about Ambien since the OP said she's not taking it, but I had two separate experiences with sleepwalking on that medication. One time I went out in thin pajamas and sneakers during a blizzard (I live in WI) and was shoveling the driveway for over an hour before a roommate found me--my temp had plummeted into the low 90s/high 80s. And maybe a year later, my doctor started me on it again and I drank an entire bottle of wine in front of my former roommate (who didn't stop me because she thought I was sick, but at least awake).

    So now when I have dreams about eating something, I get paranoid. I had a dream about drinking several cans of regular ginger ale. When I woke up, I had to check thoroughly for discarded cans before I knew I hadn't raided the fridge! My boyfriend found it amusing, but he's not the one with a lofty weight loss goal like me and extra calories with no nutrition is not a nightmare for him! ;)

    OP, please keep us updated! I'm sorry you don't have any answers and you have to wait until the new year to start seeking answers out.
  • sjackson310
    sjackson310 Posts: 23
    Well, I know it's only been two days, but since stopping the Benadryl for a whopping two nights, I feel GREAT! Absolutely no peeing at night (not once), and not a thought about food in the middle of the night apparently because there isn't any evidence of me getting up :)
    For the other posters, I do have an alarm system in the house (but not on the door of the fridge & pantry) so that wasn't so much the worry.

    Moral of the story - don't take benadryl every night lol. I was really tempted to take it last night since i work today and I was wide awake at 10pm, but once I was in bed I passed right out apparently.

    Thank you to everyone that responded :) even though it ended up being not so much of a dieting type thing.

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