Do you also have the habit of waking up at night to eat? Let's talk about Night Eating Syndrome (NES)!

Do you sometimes wake up in the middle of the night feeling hungry after eating dinner? Do you have a habit of going to the kitchen and eating something, especially something sweet or something like a biscuit, before going back to sleep? It may be normal to do this occasionally. But if this happens several days a week, several times a night, it is not as simple as we think. This may be a medical condition.

Simply put, what is Night Eating Syndrome (NES)?

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is when you wake up multiple times in the middle of the night to eat. In this case, you eat most of your total daily food intake, more than a quarter, after dinner and before breakfast the next day.

This is not just an occasional snack at night when you're hungry. This is a habit that occurs several days a week, sometimes several times a night. Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is actually a combination of both an eating disorder and a sleep disorder (insomnia) .

If you have this condition, you may not be able to sleep at night. It may feel like your body is trying to wake you up and make you eat. You may feel a strong desire to eat, especially sweet foods and foods high in carbohydrates. Some people feel that if you don't eat enough, you won't be able to sleep again. As a result, when you wake up the next morning, you feel tired and have no desire to eat breakfast. This can have a big impact on your daily activities, work, and studies.

What are the main symptoms of this condition?

There are several symptoms you may experience when you have Night Eating Syndrome (NES). Let's take a look at what they are.

In addition to these physical symptoms, you may also experience some mental symptoms. For example:

• Feeling ashamed: Feeling like you have no control over your eating can lead to shame.
• Anxiety: You may feel anxious because you are afraid of what will happen at night and whether you will have to wake up and eat again.
• Depression: This condition can cause frustration and sadness about life.
• Extreme fatigue: Constantly feeling tired.

Why is this happening to us? What are the reasons for this?

Doctors still don't know the exact cause of this. But studies suggest that the main cause is changes in our body's circadian rhythm . Simply put, this is our body's natural "clock." It controls when we fall asleep, wake up, and feel hungry.

A person with NES has a slightly out of whack biological clock. The hormones that help you feel hungry and stay awake during the day start to be released at night. That's why you wake up hungry at night.

There are several other factors that can affect this:

• Genetics: If someone in your family has had this condition, you may have a higher chance of developing it too.
• Stress: You may find that these symptoms worsen when you are under a lot of stress.
• How to eat during the day: If you don't get the right amount of calories during the day, you will be hungry at night and will be tempted to eat.

What complications can occur due to this condition?

The biggest problem that arises due to excessive calorie intake at night is unnecessary weight gain (obesity) . This excessive obesity can lead to many other health problems.

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease

Therefore, it's not a good idea to dismiss this as just a late-night eating habit.

How does a doctor treat this condition?

If you have these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor. He or she will examine you and ask about your symptoms, how often you wake up at night, what you eat, and your mental state. You may be asked to keep a "sleep diary." This means writing down the times you go to bed, wake up, and eat at night.

One or a combination of treatments may be recommended.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a talk therapy that helps you identify your negative behaviors, change them, and develop healthier habits.
• Antidepressant medications: Medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can help control your mood and emotions. These should be taken only under the advice of a doctor.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): This is a great way to relax the muscles in your body one by one, reducing tension and helping you prepare for sleep.
• Light therapy (phototherapy): This method resets your body's disrupted circadian rhythm, helping you feel sleepy at night and refreshed during the day.
• Melatonin: This is a hormone that regulates our sleep and wakefulness. Your doctor may recommend that you take a melatonin supplement.
• Weight Management Programs: Provides advice on how to eat a healthy diet during the day and how to control body weight.

What can we do to prevent this habit?

In addition to treatment, making a few small changes to your lifestyle can also provide great relief.

• Choose healthy foods: Make sure you only keep nutritious foods at home. Avoid bringing foods high in fat and sugar. This will reduce the temptation to eat them at night.
• Establish good sleep habits: Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature. Get into the habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Avoid drinking coffee, using your phone, or watching TV before bed.
• Take care of your mental health: Manage stress through things like meditation and deep breathing exercises. If you're feeling sad or anxious, talk to your doctor about it.
• Stay active during the day: Exercising during the day can help you get a good night's sleep and keep your mood up.

Do I need to see a doctor?

Yes, absolutely. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, the first step is to see a doctor for advice. It may also be important to check if there is another physical reason why you are waking up at night.

Night Eating Syndrome is a condition that can have a big impact on your health and life. It's normal to feel exhausted and frustrated when you lose sleep at night and can't control your eating. But remember, there are effective treatments for this.

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