Stop Night Eating Syndrome
Night eating syndrome (NES) is a complex emotional, physical and psychological condition that is characterized by disruptions in eating and sleeping habits.
NES can often be linked to problems with depression or other mental health disorders, so it’s best to speak with a doctor before self-diagnosing or attempting to start a treatment program.
Eat regular meals
People with NES are similar to people with other eating disorders in that they might have a lot of guilt or shame about consuming food. Avoiding calories early in the day can often lead to binging at night, so it’s important to eat regular meals – especially breakfast. Eat at the same time each day so that you can avoid ravenous feelings later on at night.
Deal with stress
NES is often associated with high stress levels. Make an effort to deal with stressful situations and to get professional help if there are stressors in your life that you feel ill-equipped to deal with on your own.
Embarking on an eating disorder recovery program or finding an eating disorder specialist in your area would also be a positive step in the right direction. NES is a mental health condition, so it should be addressed properly with focus on not only nutritional guidelines but also cognitive-behavioral tactics that can help retrain the brain to promote healthier behaviors.
Night eating usually occurs because of disrupted sleep patterns or insomnia. Make sure you’re getting enough exercise during the day to ensure you are sleepy at regular times each night. Some may find that exercise right before bed helps to induce a state of calm, while others may find that it winds them up. See what works best for you and develop a regular fitness routine around it.