Is Late Night Eating Getting In The Way of Your Health Goals?
Chronic late-night eating, referred to as ‘night eating syndrome’, is an eating disorder characterised by overeating at night and waking up during the night to eat. It receives less attention compared to other eating disorders yet affects an estimated 2% of the general population.
Night eating syndrome is a complex eating disorder that often co-occurs with other issues such as mood disorders, OCD and personality disorders. The DSM-5 characterises it by:
Consuming more food than usual at night after a meal
Excessive food consumption after an evening meal
Waking up in the middle of the night to eat
A lack of control during the eating experience
Eating past fullness
Eating more rapidly during an episode
The short-term effects of this disorder include insomnia, loss of appetite, mood swings and fatigue. The long-term effects, however, are direr. They include weight fluctuations, weakened bones, decreased muscle mass, cardiovascular and digestive issues, dry skin and kidney problems.
Like any eating disorder, it must be treated under the guidance of a knowledgeable health professional. It is essential to address the underlying factors contributing to the disorder. For many individuals, these can include low self-esteem, body image issues, stress, depression, anxiety or other eating disorders, such as bulimia.
Living with night eating syndrome can be debilitating for some and can worsen the mental state for many. The most important thing to do in a situation like this is to seek help from a trusted health professional who can work with you to meet nutritional needs, break unhealthy habits, learn to differentiate between hunger and cravings, improve mental health, establish new coping skills and determine a plan to eat healthier at night.
If night eating syndrome is a concern you’re struggling with, make an appointment. I’d love to help you!
