Eating disorders may cause insomnia, and insomnia may worsen eating disorders. Treating the underlying causes, like anxiety and depression, may help with both issues.

Eating disorders (EDs) are mental health conditions that affect the way a person eats or behaves around food. Insomnia is a sleep disorder where a person cannot fall asleep, stay asleep, or otherwise get quality sleep.

While these conditions don’t seem to have much in common on the surface, more and more research is linking EDs to insomnia and vice versa.

Here’s more about how EDs and insomnia are related, how EDs may affect sleep, and what treatments may help.

Eating disorders (EDs) include but are not limited to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. Not all people with EDs will have insomnia. Likewise, not all people with insomnia or other sleep disorders will have an ED.

However, sometimes these conditions may cause the other or create a feedback loop of increasing symptoms.

Night eating syndrome

Night eating syndrome (NES) is an insomnia-related ED marked by excessive nighttime hunger and a belief that eating during the night will alleviate insomnia issues.

People with NES wake up to eat at least twice a week and can recall these eating episodes the next morning. They may eat up to 25% or more of their daily calories in the nighttime hours. NES is most closely associated with sleep maintenance insomnia (waking in the night unable to fall back asleep) and sleep onset insomnia (trouble falling asleep at bedtime).

Binge eating disorder

Research also suggests that binge eating disorder (BED) may have ties to sleep disturbances like insomnia. In a 2018 survey, people with BED — and control subjects without BED — self-reported their sleep habits, mood, and eating habits in response.

The group with BED reported significantly more insomnia symptoms than the control group. Researchers think the relationship between EDs and insomnia may be connected to anxiety and depression.

Anorexia

Anorexia involves eating a very low calorie diet that leads to extreme weight loss. Researchers share that people with anorexia may become malnourished over time, leading to early morning awakening insomnia.

Bulimia

People with bulimia eat large amounts of food (binging) and later purge. Bulimia is not closely associated with insomnia but may affect sleep in other ways.

If binges occur close to bedtime, they may cause heartburn or other disturbances to your sleep.

Can eating disorders affect sleep in other ways?

Yes. A person’s nutrition and eating habits can definitely affect sleep duration and overall sleep quality.

Researchers share that other sleep issues related to EDs include things like sleepwalking, sleep eating (with no memory), changes in circadian rhythm, and obstructive sleep apnea.

There aren’t as many studies that suggest insomnia directly causes EDs. That said, researchers hypothesize that sleep issues like insomnia might make people crave more food and binge because poor sleep interferes with how the brain handles rewards and control.

While sleep habits and EDs don’t seem related on the surface, anxiety and depression are linked to both sleep disorders and EDs. Further, the relationship between these two conditions may work in a positive feedback loop. Insomnia may worsen an ED, which, in turn, may worsen sleep.

Treating EDs and insomnia involves a multidisciplinary approach. This means a person may seek treatment through taking medications, going to therapy, and changing lifestyle habits.

It’s important to note that treating EDs depends on the type and severity of the ED. In some cases, a person may benefit from hospital or resident/inpatient treatment before moving on to outpatient treatment.

Medications

Prescription drugs — like serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and anti-anxiety medications — can address sleep directly, as well as the anxiety and depression that may be contributing to EDs. For example, the antidepressant medication trazodone may target both mood disorders and sleep issues.

However, there are no medications that solely treat EDs.

Medications to treat insomnia include sedatives, tranquilizers, and anti-anxiety drugs. There are also many supplements to help treat insomnia, but make sure to discuss them with your doctor before trying.

Therapy

Therapy in an individual or group setting may help address the root cause of an ED. Types of therapy appropriate for people with EDs and insomnia (and any accompanying anxiety and depression) include:

There are therapists who also specialize in helping those with eating disorders or addictive behaviors. Learn more about how to find the right therapist for you.

Lifestyle changes

Stress relief is another piece of the puzzle and is backed by science. Engaging in things like meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and good sleep hygiene habits can help address anxiety and depression that may be worsening EDs and insomnia.

Support groups

Having insomnia and an ED may feel isolating, but you aren’t alone. Your doctor may refer you to local groups to find support and meet others going through similar experiences.

Support groups for insomnia include the Circadian Sleep Disorders Network, the ISG Alliance Group (on Facebook), and the Insomnia Support Group (on Facebook).

EDs and insomnia often occur due to underlying issues with anxiety and depression. If you’re experiencing issues with your sleep, eating habits, or both, make an appointment with a doctor to discuss your symptoms.

Through a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes, you can get back to feeling better — during the day and at night.