Night eating syndrome: causes, symptoms, and treatment
A significant number of people regularly eat a large evening meal and then eat little or nothing during the night. This behavior, known as nocturnal eating syndrome or night eating syndrome (NES), can seriously disrupt their lives.
The Mayo Clinic defines NES as “a disorder characterized by increased appetite and consumption of calories late at night.” People with NES typically consume 25 percent or more of their daily caloric intake after 6 PM. They may also have difficulty feeling full and may wake up to eat during the night.
NES is not simply a case of people making poor food choices at night. It’s a complex disorder with a number of potential causes. These include hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders, emotional issues, and certain medications.
People with NES are at increased risk for obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. They may also struggle with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
NES is a treatable condition. A combination of behavioral changes, therapy, and medication can help people manage their symptoms and reclaim their lives.
What Is Night Eating Syndrome?
NES is a disorder characterized by increased appetite and consumption of calories late at night. People with NES typically consume 25 percent or more of their daily caloric intake after 6 PM.
They may also have difficulty feeling full and may wake up to eat during the night. As a result, people with NES often eat more calories during the late evening and early morning hours than they do during the day.
NES is not simply a case of people making poor food choices at night. It’s a complex disorder with a number of potential causes. These include hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders, emotional issues, and certain medications.
People with NES are at increased risk for obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. They may also struggle with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
NES is a treatable condition. A combination of behavioral changes, therapy, and medication can help people manage their symptoms and reclaim their lives.
What Causes Night Eating Syndrome?
The exact cause of NES is unknown. However, it’s thought to be a complex disorder with a number of potential causes. These include hormonal imbalances, sleep disorders, emotional issues, and certain medications.
Hormonal Imbalances
NES has been linked to hormonal imbalances, specifically a disruption in the hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. Ghrelin is a hormone that increases hunger. Leptin is a hormone that signals the body to stop eating when it’s full.
People with NES may have higher levels of ghrelin and lower levels of leptin. This imbalance may lead them to feel hungrier at night and less satisfied after eating.
Sleep Disorders
NES has also been linked to sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea. People with these disorders may be more likely to wake up at night and eat as a way to fall back asleep.
In addition, sleep disorders can disrupt the hormones that regulate hunger and fullness. This can lead to increased hunger and cravings at night.
Emotional Issues
NES has been linked to emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress. People with NES may use food to cope with negative emotions. They may also have difficulty sleeping, which can trigger late-night eating.
Certain Medications
Certain medications can increase appetite and disrupt sleep, both of which can trigger NES. Medications that have been linked to NES include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and steroids.
What Are the Symptoms of Night Eating Syndrome?
The most common symptom of NES is eating a large evening meal and then eating little or nothing during the night. However, NES can also cause a number of other symptoms.
These include waking up to eat during the night, eating more than 50 percent of daily calories at night, feeling out of control around food, and having trouble sleeping.
People with NES may also have difficulty concentrating, fatigue during the day, and mood swings.
What Are the Complications of Night Eating Syndrome?
NES is a serious disorder that can lead to a number of complications. These include obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
NES is also linked to an increased risk of night-time accidents such as falls and car accidents. This is likely due to fatigue and sleepiness during the day.
How Is Night Eating Syndrome Treated?
NES is a treatable condition. A combination of behavioral changes, therapy, and medication can help people manage their symptoms and reclaim their lives.
Behavioral Changes
There are a number of behavioral changes that can help people with NES. These include eating regular meals during the day, Avoiding high-fat and sugary foods at night, and avoiding eating for at least two hours before bedtime.
In addition, people with NES should try to get regular exercise and get enough sleep.
Therapy
NES is often treated with therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help people with NES change their thoughts and behaviors around food.
During CBT, people with NES will work with a therapist to identify the thoughts and behaviors that are triggering their night eating. They will then learn how to replace these thoughts and behaviors with healthier ones.
Medication
Certain medications can also help people with NES. These include appetite suppressants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.
Appetite suppressants can help people with NES by reducing their hunger. Antidepressants can help by treating any underlying depression or anxiety.
Antipsychotics can help by reducing any night-time cravings..Reference
The challenges of getting an accurate diagnosis of night eating syndrome
There are a number of challenges that make getting an accurate diagnosis of night eating syndrome (NES) difficult. One challenge is that night eating syndrome is not well-known or understood by the medical community. This can make it difficult to get a proper diagnosis, as doctors may not be familiar with the condition or may not recognize the symptoms.
Another challenge is that the symptoms of NES can be similar to other disorders, such as binge eating disorder (BED) or sleep disorders like insomnia. This can make it difficult to distinguish NES from these other conditions.
Finally, night eating syndrome can be a difficult condition to deal with both emotionally and physically. Theemotional challenges can make it difficult to talk about the condition with a doctor or therapist and can make it difficult to stick to treatment plans. The physical challenges can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep, which can exacerbate the symptoms of NES.
Despite these challenges, it is important to seek out a diagnosis if you think you may have NES. Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards finding effective treatment and managing the condition.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about night eating syndrome. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.
