Night eating syndrome (nes): causes, symptoms, and drugs & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is night eating syndrome?

Night Eating Syndrome or commonly abbreviated as NES is an eating disorder characterized by a delay in the circadian rhythm (body rhythm) that regulates eating hours. Night eating syndrome is not the same as binge eating disorder, although individuals who suffer from NES often do too binge eater.

The difference between the two lies in the amount of food consumed at night. Individuals with NES usually feel they have no control over dietary habit them, not on their excessive quantity or food intake. Granted, they could just have no control, however not necessarily sufferers of this eating disorder experience it.

How common is Night Eating Syndrome?

This midnight meal syndrome affects about 1.5% of the population, and is equally common in men and women, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

However, this condition can be overcome by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of this midnight meal syndrome?

People suffering from this eating disorder usually remember to have a new meal at night. They usually don't feel hungry earlier in the day. They can also delay their first meal by hours. Afterward, people with midnight meal syndrome can eat more than a quarter of the food they eat each day.

This eating pattern cannot be explained by changes to a person's sleep schedule or local social routine (for example, late night eating habits). People who have this problem usually feel disappointed and guilty about their syndrome.

People who suffer from this midnight eating disorder usually also have sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. People who suffer from this problem are more likely to be obese. Apart from that, depression is also something common in people who suffer from Night Eating Syndrome.

Night Eating Syndrome is different from binge eating disorder. People who suffer binge eating disorder don't usually have episodes binge eating at night (10pm to 6am). However, if they did, they would eat a large amount at one time. Meanwhile, people with NES tend to eat small portions several times at night.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always best to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes Night Eating Syndrome?

Doctors are not sure what causes this eating disorder. However, some studies suggest that this syndrome may be related to certain sleep-wake cycle problems and hormones.

The causes of midnight meal syndrome vary, but there are usually a variety of contributing factors. Sometimes students have a habit of eating at night and cannot break the habit when they have graduated from university and started a work life. High achievers also sometimes work skipping lunches and "get their revenge" by eating more dinner in the evening.

Ironically, Night Eating Syndrome could be a diet response. When people limit their calorie intake in the middle of the day, the body will signal to the brain that it needs food. The individual then typically responds to signals from the brain in excess at night. Eating late at night can also be a response to stress.

Those with Night Eating Syndrome are often high achievers. However, their eating disorder can affect their ability to socialize or cope with work-related responsibilities. They can also have different hormonal patterns, which have the effect of reversing hunger so that they eat when it's off the clock and don't eat when they should.

Triggers

What increases the risk of night eating syndrome?

People with NES are often obese or overweight, so they are prone to health problems caused by being overweight, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Those who are obese have an increased risk of heart disease, many types of cancer and gallbladder disease.

Individuals with midnight meal syndrome often have a history of substance abuse, and may develop depression. They usually report that they are more depressed at night. They also often experience sleep disturbances.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How is Night Eating Syndrome diagnosed?

To find out whether you have this eating disorder or not, your doctor will ask questions about your medical history and diet. Night Eating Syndrome often co-occurs with sleep problems, so your doctor may want to do tests for your sleep habits (polysomnography).

What is the treatment for Night Eating Syndrome?

As with other eating disorders, successful treatment for Night Eating Syndrome usually requires a combination of therapy.

Treatment for this midnight eating disorder usually starts with educating the patient about their condition, so that they are more aware of their eating patterns. By doing so, they are expected to begin to recognize the triggers that affect their eating patterns or habits.

Only by realizing that they have Night Eating Syndrome and that it was not a mistake have they taken one step closer to recovery.

Night Eating Syndrome treatment also includes nutritional assessment and therapy, exercise physiology, and integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialective behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy (IT), and stress management. Additional informationon line it can also help patients gain control over their disorder.

It is important for sufferers of this midnight eating disorder to change their behavior by changing their beliefs. If they believe that they will not be able to change the way they eat, they will not be able to change.

Prevention

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be made to treat midnight eating syndrome?

Several precautions as well as self-care at home can reduce the risk of Night Eating Syndrome. Prevention includes:

1. Identify the cause

Some people complete most of their delayed eating schedules late at night or late at night. In order to change this habit, you must identify the cause.

2. Identify your triggers

As well as identifying the overall cause of your overeating, it may be helpful for you to look for specific patterns of events that typically trigger your eating behavior.

3. Use a routine

If you're overeating because you don't eat enough during the day, getting into the habit or filling your evening with a routine can help.

4. Plan your meal

Include a meal schedule as part of your routine. That way, you will benefit if you use the meal program.

5. Seek professional support

If you suspect that you have Night Eating Syndrome or binge eating disorder, then you may want to seek professional help.

6. Releasing or reducing stress.

Anxiety and stress are two of the most common reasons people eat when they are not hungry. However, using food to vent emotions is a bad idea. If you notice that you eat when you feel anxious or depressed, try to find other ways to release negative emotions and relax.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.