Night eating syndrome: what is it?

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Night eating syndrome is a disorder where individuals consume excessive amounts of food before bed or in the middle of the night. It can be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, genetic tendencies, or other underlying eating and mood disorders. Treatment options include hormone supplements, prescription medications, behavioral therapy, individual counseling, group therapy, and diet and exercise plans.

Night eating syndrome is a disorder in which an individual consumes excessive amounts of food just before bed or in the middle of the night. Most people with the condition find that they cannot sleep well unless they eat before bed. Some people, however, aren’t very aware of their late-night binges; they get up and visit the kitchen still asleep. Night eating syndrome can be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, genetic tendencies, or other underlying eating and mood disorders. A person seeking treatment for the disorder should consult a doctor to determine the most appropriate strategy to control eating and sleeping habits.

People with night eating syndrome usually experience a number of symptoms. It is common for a person to feel nauseated in the morning, skip breakfast, and eat lightly or irregularly throughout the day. Very few calories are consumed during the day, forcing you to binge snack and meal throughout the evening and night hours. Many people with the disorder frequently experience insomnia, especially when they are unable to eat as much as they would like before bed. Additional symptoms of anxiety, depression, and obesity are very common in people with night eating syndrome.

Many researchers and doctors believe that eating at night may be related to several different causes. People on strict diets and those who are under excessive stress at work or at home are likely to develop the condition. Imbalances in hormones related to diet or sleep, such as melatonin, leptin, and serotonin, can also contribute to binge eating at night. Clinical studies of people with night-time eating syndrome lead researchers to believe that patients may have legitimate food addictions, where they become obsessed to the point of relying on late-night binges to sleep and function properly during the day.

Doctors, psychologists, and nutritionists can help people with night eating syndrome. Hormone supplements are generally recommended when chemical imbalances are determined to be the cause of eating and sleeping problems. A person experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression may receive prescription medications to treat their underlying conditions, thereby relieving the symptoms of night eating. Many patients benefit from behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and group therapy sessions, where they have the opportunity to discuss their difficulties and learn techniques to help them manage their eating problems. Licensed nutritionists can help people design diet and exercise plans that promote healthy lifestyles and eating habits.




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