Night Eating Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Cure

Many of us wake up suddenly in the middle of the night and feel the urge to munch something. It is known as night eating syndrome when hunger can make you wake up at night to eat something. Occasional night eating does not pose any health issues. It also depends on how the day spent wherein you may have missed your meals during the day and ended up eating your meals later at late night.

Night eating syndrome (NES) does not occur once a month or week. It can take place many times every week often with several wakeup every night. Night eating syndrome can be described an eating disorder that occurs along with sleep disorder or insomnia. Individuals suffering from night eating syndrome may not be able to sleep through the night.

They may wake up often to eat something sweets and foods containing high carbs You also get the feeling that you won’t be able to sleep properly if you do not feel full. You may not feel adequately rested or hungry for breakfast. It can impact the mood and ability to perform properly. If night eating syndrome goes untreated, you may struggle to maintain healthy body weight. It also poses the risk of health issues such as obesity.

According to Jupiter Hospital there are three reasons that can be attributed to your late-night hunger.

• Reason 1: Your body clock. “It is literally in your DNA. Your internal body clock naturally boosts your appetite in the evening. It is a primal thing. Your body wants to stock up before the overnight fast of sleep.”

• Reason 2: Sleep and hormones. “Bad sleep is a big culprit. When you are sleep deprived, your hunger hormone ghrelin goes up and your fullness hormone, leptin goes down.

• Reason 3. Your day time choices. “If you skip meals, eat too little, or are super stressed during the day, your body will send major hunger SRS signals at night.” ²

Night Eating Syndrome Symptoms

The various symptoms of night eating syndrome will include waking up in the middle of the night several times every night. If it is more than 4 times per week, you are suffering from night eating syndrome. Eating over 25% of your every day food intake after dinner and before breakfast. You will crave for foods high in sugar and carbs at night.

If you are completely aware of night eating and can remember it during day time. If you skip the breakfast and remain without meal till afternoon. If you are not able to work properly during day time period. Night eating may often make you feel anxious, depressed, embarrassed, and exhausted, according to a report featured in Cleveland Clinic. ¹

Causes of Night Eating Syndrome

There are no clear reasons behind the habit of night eating syndrome. However, it can occur as a result of changes in your circadian rhythm. It is human body’s natural clock that may regulate when you feel exhausted, alert, and hungry. When you experience NES, the body clock may not perform as desired. The body may also generate hormones that can make you feel hungry and vigilant at night instead of day time.

Some of the major factors that can cause night eating syndrome include genetics where the problem may have been impacting the biological family history implying that it may have a genetic link. Stress is yet another major factor that can cause night eating syndrome. If you may feel the symptoms getting aggravated wen you get stressed. Daytime eating habits is another reason wherein you may not get adequate calories in day time and end up feeling hungry at night, added the Cleveland Clinic report. ¹

When you face NES, it can increase the risk of obesity or overweight, depression, substance use disorder, or binge eating disorder. Eating excessively at night can cause obesity that may trigger diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Cure of Night Eating Syndrome

Your healthcare provider may suggest some treatments to cure NES. It may include anti-depressant medications, light therapy, melatonin supplements, and weight management program.  

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic|Night Eating Syndrome (NES)

2. Jupiter Hospital via Instagram| Reasons of late night eating