Remote Binge Eating Research Study
Researchers at North Dakota State University are conducting a study on sleep, emotions, and eating behavior for adults who regularly binge eat.
Fast Facts
Experiencing Binge Eating Symptoms & Not Receiving Treatment
18-45
Years Old
Compensation
Provided
Conducted Remotely
Study Background
This study explores how sleep patterns and emotional states may influence binge eating behavior in adults.
Disordered eating—particularly binge eating—can have significant effects on physical and emotional health, yet the triggers and patterns behind it are not fully understood. This study focuses on the day-to-day relationships between sleep, mood, and eating behavior in real-world settings. By tracking these patterns in daily life, researchers aim to identify key moments when people may be more vulnerable to binge eating and use this knowledge to inform future treatment and prevention strategies.
Participants in this study will help researchers understand how sleep and emotional experiences unfold across 24-hour periods and how they relate to episodes of binge eating. With this information, the research team hopes to support healthier outcomes for individuals dealing with recurrent binge eating.
Study Background
This study explores how sleep patterns and emotional states may influence binge eating behavior in adults.
Disordered eating—particularly binge eating—can have significant effects on physical and emotional health, yet the triggers and patterns behind it are not fully understood. This study focuses on the day-to-day relationships between sleep, mood, and eating behavior in real-world settings. By tracking these patterns in daily life, researchers aim to identify key moments when people may be more vulnerable to binge eating and use this knowledge to inform future treatment and prevention strategies.
Participants in this study will help researchers understand how sleep and emotional experiences unfold across 24-hour periods and how they relate to episodes of binge eating. With this information, the research team hopes to support healthier outcomes for individuals dealing with recurrent binge eating.
Additional Information
This study aims to better understand how daily sleep patterns and emotional fluctuations impact binge eating behavior in adults. The findings could help create new ways to support people in managing disordered eating.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Experiencing binge eating symptoms (e.g., eating large amounts of food, feeling out of control while eating)
- Ages 18-45
- Fluent in English
- Own a smartphone, have access to the internet, and able to use video conferencing platforms (e.g., Zoom, WebEx)
- BMI of 18.5-30
Exclusion Criteria:
- Currently receiving treatment for an eating disorder (e.g., therapy, medication)
- Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Untreated sleep apnea
- Receiving treatment for a sleep disorder other than sleep apnea
- Regularly taking medications to help with sleep
- Currently taking GLP-1 medications (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy)
- Diagnosed with psychotic or bipolar disorder
- Currently receiving major medical treatment that is impacting sleep or eating behavior (e.g., cancer treatment)
- Changes to stimulant medications (i.e., changes to medication or dose) within the past four weeks
- Shift worker
You’ll first complete a brief online screening.
If eligible, you’ll be scheduled for a remote clinical screening via Zoom.
During this appointment, you’ll give consent, answer some questionnaires, and participate in a clinical interview.
If you’re selected for the full study, we’ll mail you a study box with a wearable watch (to track sleep and activity), a digital scale, and instructions.
For two weeks, you’ll wear the watch continuously and complete 7 short daily surveys on your smartphone (each taking about 3 minutes).
After the 2 weeks, you’ll return the materials using a pre-paid shipping label and your participation will be complete.
Participants can earn up to $650 for completing all parts of the study:
$100 for completing the remote clinical screening
$500 for completing the two-week in-home study
$50 bonus if you complete at least 90% of the daily smartphone surveys
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.