Night eating syndrome

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Night eating syndrome
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Nocturnal hyperphagia, insomnia, morning anorexia
Complications	N/A
Onset	Adulthood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic predisposition, stress, circadian rhythm disruption
Risks	Obesity, depression, anxiety
Diagnosis	Clinical assessment, self-reported questionnaires
Differential diagnosis	Binge eating disorder, sleep-related eating disorder
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, light therapy
Medication	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, topiramate
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	1.5% of the general population
Deaths	N/A

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder characterized by a delayed pattern of food intake. Individuals with NES consume a significant portion of their daily caloric intake during the evening or nighttime hours. This condition is associated with disrupted sleep patterns and can lead to various health issues.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of Night Eating Syndrome include:

• Consuming at least 25% of daily food intake after the evening meal.
• Waking up at least twice a week to eat during the night.
• Lack of appetite in the morning.
• Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep.
• A strong urge to eat between dinner and sleep onset.
• Feeling that eating is necessary to initiate or return to sleep.

Causes

The exact cause of Night Eating Syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Some potential contributing factors include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Disruption of the body's circadian rhythm
• Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving melatonin and cortisol

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Night Eating Syndrome is typically based on the patient's history and reported symptoms. Healthcare providers may use questionnaires and interviews to assess eating patterns and sleep disturbances. It is important to differentiate NES from other eating disorders such as binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa.

Treatment

Treatment for Night Eating Syndrome often involves a combination of therapies, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address underlying psychological issues.
• Nutritional counseling to develop healthier eating patterns.
• Medications such as antidepressants or melatonin supplements to regulate mood and sleep.
• Light therapy to help reset the circadian rhythm.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, individuals with Night Eating Syndrome can experience significant improvements in their symptoms. However, ongoing management may be necessary to prevent relapse.

See Also

• Eating disorder
• Binge eating disorder
• Bulimia nervosa
• Circadian rhythm