Night Eating Syndrome

The Night eating syndrome (NES ) is an eating disorder suffer with the person under night cravings. It is spoken by the NES if at least 25 % of the daily food intake after the last meal of the day, and / or if a sleep disorder is present, which is accompanied by food intake. NES has been researched very little and is not listed in the international diagnostic classification system ICD-10.

Features and symptoms

People who suffer from night eating syndrome take on average an entire meal late in the evening or at night to himself. The amount of food that is taken in the night hours, may be up to half of the total daily intake. Characteristic here is the intake of carbohydrate-rich food especially. This results in increased insulin secretion, for which reason it can be further cravings. Frequently this results in repeated nightly standing and eating, as many night eaters can not go back to sleep without having eaten anything. In the morning, breakfast is often skipped because sufferers have no appetite. The Night eating syndrome is often accompanied by depression and anxiety. In addition, patients have, obesity, stress and prone to addictive behavior.

Epidemiology

Approximately 1-2 % of the population suffers from NES. Various studies indicate that overweight people are affected much more frequently.

Causes

Researchers have not yet been clearly established by the causes of NES. Empirical studies have predominantly face to genetic causes, since NES frequently occurring family. Also, a dysregulation of hormones is suspected - that allows a conclusion on the possible comorbidities.