What is the connection between eating at night and not being able to sleep?

This question was asked in Austin, Texas on 07/18/2012.
I have noticed that I have gained several pounds and that I do not sleep well at all. I have never had a sleep study, but I sometimes wake up in middle of night and eat. I am just ballooning up and in pain and more anxious.

Doctors Answers (2)

Ramie A. Tritt, M.D., FRCSC
Answered on: 7/23/2012

I know of no direct connection between eating at night and not being able to sleep. However, if you have sleep apnea and acid reflux, you may be waking up and the pain from the acid reflux is making you eat. You need a thorough physical examination and an overnight sleep study.

Richard J. Schumann Jr., MD
Answered on: 7/20/2012

If you are eating without recall of doing so this is a parasomnic disorder and warrants treatment. If you are aware then this could be addressed by a weight management specialist. Weight gain especially truncally will increase your risk for sleep disordered breathing.