What is Night Eating Syndrome?

 

Written by CCTC Staff Writer

Do you find yourself eating dinner late at night? Or waking up in the middle of the night to eat? If so, you may be suffering from Night Eating Syndrome. This condition is characterized by eating after your evening meal or in the middle of the night. Let's take a closer look at what Night Eating Syndrome is, its signs and symptoms, and how to get help.


What is Night Eating Syndrome? 

Night eating syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder caused by a dysregulation of body clocks that impact appetite, sleeping and waking time, and overall energy. NES refers to behaviors “characterized by a delayed pattern of food intake in which the patient consumes at least 25% of his or her total daily calories after dinner and/or during nocturnal awakenings.”

Isn’t Night Eating Syndrome just Binge Eating Disorder?

Night eating syndrome is not just binge eating disorder, although individuals with night eating syndrome may struggle with binge eating. Binge eating differs from night eating syndrome since those who binge will typically eat a lot in a single setting, versus smaller amounts throughout the evening.

I snack a lot at night, does that mean I’m struggling with Night Eating Syndrome? 

Many people snack and eat at night. The difference between normal snacking or eating, and those suffering from Night Eating Syndrome is that those with NES will likely find themselves overeating and experiencing sleep challenges. Oftentimes, people will consume a quarter of their calorie intake after dinner. 

How common is Night Eating Syndrome? 

Night Eating Syndrome was originally described by Dr. Albert Stunkard in 1955 and is currently included in the “Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder” category of the DSM-5. Although many people may have not heard of it, Night Eating Syndrome affects an estimated 1.5% to 2% of the population, and is equally common in men and women, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Despite being under-diagnosed and frequently unrecognized actually makes Night Eating Syndrome 2x more common than anorexia nervosa and almost as prevalent as binge eating disorder. .

Symptoms of Night Eating Syndrome

There are several signs and symptoms that may be indicative of Night Eating Syndrome. These include waking up at night to eat, eating large meals late at night, feeling hungry at night, and overeating during the evening. 

In 2008, the first International Night Eating Symposium was held. Professionals worked to create tentative criteria for NES. This includes: 

  1. The daily pattern of eating demonstrates a significantly increased intake in the evening and/or nighttime, as manifested by one or both of the following:

    1. At least 25% of food intake is consumed after the evening meal.

    2. At least two episodes of nocturnal eating per week

  2. Awareness and recall of evening and nocturnal eating episodes are present.

  3. The clinical picture is characterized by at least three of the following features:

    1. Lack of desire to eat in the morning and/or breakfast is omitted on four or more mornings per week.

    2. Presence of a strong urge to eat between dinner and sleep onset and/or during the night.

    3. Sleep onset and/or sleep maintenance insomnia is present four or more nights per week.

    4. Presence of a belief that one must eat in order to initiate or return to sleep.

    5. Mood is frequently depressed and/or mood worsens in the evening.

  4. The disorder is associated with significant distress or impairment in functioning.

  5. The disordered pattern of eating has been maintained for at least 3 months.

  6. The disorder is not secondary to substance abuse or dependence, medical disorder, medication, or another psychiatric disorder.

What contributes to Night Eating Syndrome? 

Some people may find they are struggling with night eating when their busy schedule in college or at their job does not allow them to eat regularly throughout the day and find themselves eating in the evening. Dieting and restricting during the day can also be a contributing factor, by the time the night comes around, their body may signal to the brain to eat and they end up overcompensating. It is believed that hormonal patterns may contribute to night eating behavior causing the body to feel hunger at the wrong times such as in the middle of the night.  

How do you know if Night Eating Syndrome is impacting your life? 

When it comes to struggling with any type of disordered eating or eating disorder, meeting diagnostic criteria is not the best way to assess things. The most important thing is to reflect on your life and how your eating concerns are impacting you. Do you feel you have no control over your eating? Do you find yourself eating in secret? Do you feel shame over this behavior? Do you keep hoping to stop the cycle of night eating but are finding it is harder than you expected? Night eating is not something to be ashamed of. 

 

Is recovery possible from Night Eating Syndrome? 

It is absolutely possible to recover from night eating syndrome. Like with all eating disorders, seeking treatment from professionals specializing in eating disorders is an important step in the process. Working closely with a therapist or counselor and dietitian can help you begin to heal from these disordered habits. The first step in the recovery process is usually understanding the syndrome itself and beginning to acknowledge and identify triggers that contribute to the cycle of night eating.  

If you are struggling with night eating and are worried about how it is impacting your quality of life, know you are not alone. Help is available, and reaching out sooner rather than later will help you regain control from disordered eating.

If you would like to learn more about treatment options, reach out to our team at Central Coast today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have about Night Eating Syndrome.

 
Ai Pono