How night eating syndrome disrupts sleep patterns
We all know that feeling: you’re so exhausted you can barely keep your eyes open, but when you finally drift off to sleep, you’re wide awake a few hours later. For some people, this is a regular occurrence. If this describes your sleep patterns, you may be suffering from night eating syndrome (NES).
NES is a disorder characterized by overeating and/or snacking late at night. This can lead to sleep disruptions, as well as weight gain and other health problems.
We don’t know exactly what causes NES, but it seems to be linked to a combination of factors, including hormone imbalances, sleep disorders, and psychological issues.
NES can have a major impact on your sleep patterns. People with NES often have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. They may also sleep for shorter periods of time overall.
As a result, people with NES often feel tired during the day. They may have trouble concentrating and may even fall asleep during the day.
NES can also lead to weight gain. People with NES often eat more calories than they need, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.
If you think you may have NES, talk to your doctor. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for NES, but there are things that can help, including therapy, medication, and changes to your diet and sleep habits..More information
The potential benefits of a night eating syndrome diagnosis
If you are one of the estimated 1.5 to 3 percent of Americans who suffer from night eating syndrome (NES), you may finally feel like you have a name for the problem that has long haunted you. And while a diagnosis of NES may not sound like good news, it can be a relief to finally understand what has been going on with your body and your eating patterns. It can also open the door to treatment that can help you feel better and perhaps even lose weight.
NES was first identified in 1955, but it was not until 2010 that the American Psychiatric Association officially recognized it as a distinct eating disorder. People with NES typically eat most of their daily calories at night, often after dinner. They may also have trouble sleeping and may wake up in the night to eat. As a result, they may not eat much during the day.
People with NES often feel out of control around food and may feel like they cannot stop eating once they start. As a result, they may eat even when they are not hungry and may continue eating even after they feel full. This can lead to weight gain, as well as other medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
While the exact cause of NES is unknown, there is some evidence that it may be linked to changes in the body’s natural circadian rhythms. Night eating syndrome is more common in people who work night shifts or who have irregular sleep patterns. It is also more common in people with certain mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
If you think you may have NES, it is important to see a doctor or other mental health professional for a diagnosis. They will ask about your eating patterns and whether you have any other symptoms. They may also ask you to keep a food diary for a week or two.
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for NES, but there are a number of options that can help. If you are struggling withNES, you may want to consider:
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: This type of therapy can help you change the thought patterns and behaviors that lead to night eating.
• Interpersonal therapy: This therapy can help you manage the relationships in your life that may be contributing to your night eating.
• Dietary changes: Working with a dietitian can help you make changes to your diet that may help you control your night eating.
• Sleep hygiene: This refers to the habits and practices that can help you get a good night’s sleep.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be recommended to help treat NES or underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If you have NES, you are not alone. There is help available, and treatment can make a difference.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about night eating syndrome. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.