Lesley Cusack UK woman with sleep eating disorder Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Leslie Cusack
2. The Unusual Case of Sleep-Related Eating Disorder
3. A Surprising List of Items Consumed
4. Seeking Help and Overcoming Challenges
5. Hoping for Help from Sleep Specialists

Biography of Leslie Cusack

Leslie Cusack is a 55-year-old resident of Warrington, Cheshire in the United Kingdom (UK). She is a mother of three children and has a unique sleep-related eating disorder.

The Unusual Case of Sleep-Related Eating Disorder

Leslie Cusack's extraordinary case can be explained by a rare eating disorder that affects one to three percent of the adult population worldwide. For the past 30 years, Leslie has been consuming food even while asleep, often exceeding her daily calorie intake by consuming up to 2500 kilocalories at night. As a result, she has to follow a strict diet during the day to compensate for her nocturnal eating.

A Surprising List of Items Consumed

During her sleep, Leslie unknowingly consumes inedible items such as paint, petroleum jelly, soap, laundry detergent, cough syrup, and raw potatoes. This disorder has caused her weight to reach over 100 kilograms. In an attempt to control her nighttime eating, Leslie joined a local weight loss club and installed an alarm on her door. However, she realized that she would disable the alarm while still asleep.

Seeking Help and Overcoming Challenges

Leslie decided to seek professional help after an incident involving a visit to the freezer in her garage, where she broke several teeth. She now fears that leaving her house door open or getting into an accident may occur while sleep-eating. According to Dr. Paul Reading, the President of the British Sleep Society, some sleep eaters not only consume food but also cook while asleep. The consequences of this disorder include weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and feelings of guilt. Many individuals suffering from this disorder wake up with no memory of their nighttime feasts. In Leslie Cusack's case, the only evidence of her nocturnal indulgence is the empty packaging and crumbs left behind. She even manages to pour soup onto plates in her sleep before eating it.

Hoping for Help from Sleep Specialists

Leslie Cusack remains hopeful that sleep specialists can provide assistance to her and others dealing with similar conditions. She seeks a solution to her sleep-related eating disorder to ensure her safety and well-being.