Do you regularly get the night-time nibbles or the midnight munchies? A little evening snacking is normal and can fit into a healthy, balanced diet, but if you overdo it or regularly get up in the night to eat, you may in fact be suffering from night eating syndrome.
What is it?
Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is characterized by no appetite at breakfast, consumption of around half the day’s food intake after 7:00pm, and difficulty achieving and maintaining sleep. Often, the evening eating is accompanied by feelings of stress, tension and guilt, with no enjoyment from the meal or snacks.
What causes it?
The definitive cause is unknown and is probably a combination of eating and sleep disorders and elements of stress and depression. People with NES have been shown to have lower than normal levels of melatonin, the sleep regulator, and leptin, an appetite regulator, but more studies are needed. In many cases, a stressful event appears to have triggered off the NES cycle. There is also the theory that people with NES crave foods rich in carbohydrates as a way of self-medicating themselves to sleep. Foods rich in carbohydrates are likely to increase serotonin in the brain and that improves mood, relaxes the body and stimulates sleep. So there is some science behind the good old milk and cookies nightcap seen in many an American movie.
Where to get help?
NES is currently viewed as a stress disorder and therefore best managed by a psychologist, however, practical help can also be gained from an accredited practising dietitian. People with NES tend to go for prepared, ready to eat, less healthy foods in the middle of the night, so a dietitian can suggest some alternatives and strategies for achieving a balanced diet and a healthy weight. If Night Eating Syndrome describes your food habits or you feel that your eating is out of control, talk to your GP about an appropriate referral.
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