Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is when a person eats large amounts of food at night.¹ 

This differs from occasional midnight snacking (when people eat late occasionally) or binge eating (when a large amount of food is consumed all at once).

In NES, eating at night is frequent, at least twice a week, and can be caused by various factors that can be identified, diagnosed, and managed.

What is night eating syndrome?

NES is an eating disorder in which the person eats frequently and excessively at night, either after the evening meal or after waking up from sleep several times.² 

It affects 0.5-1.5% of the general public, but its prevalence increases to 5-15% among individuals with obesity.³ Whether obesity leads to NES or vice versa has not yet been determined.

Typically, the affected person consumes more than 25% of their daily calories after dinner at least twice a week. They can even recall details of these episodes later in the day.

Three or more of the following signs are present too¹

1. Urge to eat between dinner and sleep
2. Difficulty falling or staying asleep
3. Believing that without eating, one cannot go back to sleep
4. Not feeling hungry in the morning and skipping breakfast
5. Mood is turning bad toward the evening

NES may need diagnosis and management in some cases, as it can have a far-reaching impact on overall health. Needless to say, untimely eating, especially when the body is supposed to rest, will lead to weight gain. Also, not getting restful sleep at night will have a snowballing effect on daytime activities and will result in fatigue, drowsiness, and reduced productivity.

There has not been much research on NES, and the exact cause of NES has not yet been determined.⁴ But, there is enough evidence to suggest factors as diverse as biological, psychological, and environmental could be triggers.

Biological factors causing NES^2,5 

Hormonal imbalances

An imbalance between hormones can result in Night Eating Syndrome. Melatonin (the sleep hormone) and leptin (which signals fullness) may be low at night, whereas cortisol (the stress hormone) may be high. This seesaw of hormones can keep the person up at night, feeling hungry and tense.

Circadian rhythm disruption

Our bodies follow a natural 24-hour schedule, called the circadian rhythm. It’s a body clock that controls our times of sleeping and eating. In NES, this rhythm is disturbed and makes people feel more awake and hungry at night, leading them to eat when they should be sleeping.

Genetic factors

Some research shows that NES might run in families. Having a family history of eating disorders or mood problems may increase the chances of getting NES.

Psychological factors causing NES^2,5

Stress and emotional eating

Stress is a significant contributor to NES. Eating can become a coping mechanism to deal with negative emotions such as anxiety, sadness, or loneliness. This emotional eating often occurs at night when people are alone or unwinding after a long day. 

Depression and anxiety

NES often occurs in people with disorders like depression and anxiety. They might eat to make themselves feel better. Not being hungry in the morning but eating a lot at night is commonly seen in people who feel depressed.

Sleep disorders

NES is linked to sleeping troubles/insomnia – not being able to fall asleep or waking up often. Waking up to eat can make sleep problems worse, creating a vicious cycle. Poor sleep can also mess with the hormones that control hunger, making nighttime eating worse.

Environmental and lifestyle factors triggering NES²

Irregular meal timings

Skipping meals or not eating enough during the day can lead to increased hunger at night. This may cause people to consume more calories in the evening, contributing to NES. ​

Busy lifestyles and late-night habits

Modern lifestyles and hustle culture involve late working hours, screen time, and irregular schedules. These erratic routines can delay meal times and result in nighttime eating. Also, the availability of food at all hours makes it easy to snack late at night. 

Cultural and social norms

In some cultures, late dinners are a habit that can normalise eating late at night. Frequent social events and gatherings in the evening may also encourage nighttime eating habits.

When to seek help

If you or a loved one regularly eats large portions at night or wakes up often to eat and later feels distressed about these habits, then it is time to seek help. NES can impact both physical and mental health over time, but a doctor and their team can help in managing it.

Practical tips to break the cycle

• Maintain regular meal times: reduce nighttime hunger by eating balanced meals during the day
• Manage stress: incorporate stress-reducing activities like meditation, exercise, or hobbies into your daily routine
• Establish a sleep routine: train yourself to fall asleep and wake up at fixed times
• Limit evening screen time: stop watching a screen of any kind - mobile phone or computer, or TV - at least one hour before bedtime​
• Seek professional help: consider getting help from doctors and dietitians⁵

Summary

Night Eating Syndrome is not a bad habit. It’s a health condition with biological, psychological, and environmental triggers. The good news is that it is treatable with the right intervention. With support and lifestyle changes, one can see visible improvements.

If you find yourself eating at night more than you'd like, observe the patterns with curiosity rather than shame. Make notes. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. 

Be kind to yourself – this isn’t about weakness or lack of willpower. Healing takes time, but every step is a step toward progress. 

FAQs

How is night eating syndrome diagnosed?

Your doctor will take a detailed history of your sleep and eating habits. They will also make you answer a Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). You may also need to take a sleep test if required.

What are the complications of NES if left untreated? 

Affected persons may gain weight and have chronic sleep problems. Overall health will also be affected, including developing issues with the heart, kidneys, and gut.