Night Eating Syndrome (NES)

Did you know that Night Eating Sydrome is an actual disorder-an eating disorder that's very hard to treat. It's in the new DSM-5 which enables individuals to receive better treatment options and insurance coverage. There needs to be more awareness of this condition and understanding...no one is alone in this fight!

What is Night Eating Syndrome?

Night Eating Syndrome is an eating disorder in which the affected individual wakes several times in the middle of the night and is unable to fall back asleep without eating. The food eaten is often unhealthy and caloric. Estimates indicate that up to one percent of the global population might be afflicted with night eating syndrome

Night Eating Syndrome Behavior

Individuals with Night Eating Syndrome consume 35% or more of their daily calories after dinner time. Following the night binge, the affected individual is often not hungry in the morning. People suffering with Night Eating Syndrome often get caught in the vicious cycle of eating less during the day and more at night.

Triggers for Night Eating Syndrome

Night Eating Syndrome is often directly linked to psychological factors. Some triggers for Night Eating Syndrome include:

Depression

Anxiety

Interpersonal stress

Boredom

Prolonged dieting

Body image dissatisfaction

An Embarrassing Secret

For the person suffering from Night Eating Syndrome, the eating disorder episodes usually occur in secret and any evidence is often hidden from others. Like individuals with anorexia nervosa or bulimia, those struggling with night eating syndrome often have feel discontent with their weight.

Night Eating Syndrome Symptoms

Symptoms of Night Eating Syndrome include:

Binge eating, eating when full

Hiding food

Eating alone due to shame or embarrassment

Preoccupation with body weight

Rapid weight fluctuations

Constant dieting

Eating less than normal during the day

Medical Complications from Night Eating Syndrome

Medical complications from the behavior accompanying this eating disorder can be severe and even life-threatening. Diabetes, hypertension and cardiac problems are just a few of the dangerous complications.

For a complete list of potential medical problems for Night Eating Syndrome, visit our Medical Complications page.

Night Eating Syndrome Treatment and Lifelong Recovery

Night Eating Syndrome afflicts the mind as well as the body. This is very complex disorder Night Eating Syndrome is a disease and cannot be cured with willpower alone.

Night Eating Syndrome treatment plan is essential in keeping you healthy for life.

Eating disorders destroy lives and tears families apart. If Night Eating Syndrome is left untreated, it can be fatal.