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

Binge Eating Disorder

18-45
Years Old

Compensation
Provided Up To $650

Conducted
Remotely
Study Background
Sleep and eating patterns are closely connected and may play a key role in overall health and well-being.
Binge eating, characterized by consuming large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control, can significantly impact both physical and emotional health. At the same time, sleep patterns influence appetite, mood, and decision-making. While both areas have been studied independently, less is known about how sleep and eating behaviors interact in daily life.
This study aims to examine the relationship between sleep quality and binge-eating symptoms in adults. By examining real-world patterns, researchers hope to identify insights that could inform future, more personalized approaches to improving sleep and eating habits, ultimately supporting better overall well-being.
Study Background
Sleep and eating patterns are closely connected and may play a key role in overall health and well-being.
Binge eating, characterized by consuming large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control, can significantly impact both physical and emotional health. At the same time, sleep patterns influence appetite, mood, and decision-making. While both areas have been studied independently, less is known about how sleep and eating behaviors interact in daily life.
This study aims to examine the relationship between sleep quality and binge-eating symptoms in adults. By examining real-world patterns, researchers hope to identify insights that could inform future, more personalized approaches to improving sleep and eating habits, ultimately supporting better overall well-being.
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
- Night 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 6 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.