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Night Eating Syndrome
Night Eating Syndrome is a disorder where the affected individual wakes multiple
times during the night and is unable to fall back asleep unless they eat something.
Foods eaten during the binge are often high caloric in content and unhealthy. The
night eating behavior seems totally beyond the effected individual's control. For
these individuals, 35% or more of their calories are eaten after dinnertime. Following
the night binge, the person is often not hungry in the morning. Individuals suffering
from Night Eating Syndrome are often caught in the vicious cycle of binge eating
during the night and eating less during the day. Triggers for Night Eating Syndrome
include depression, anxiety, interpersonal stressors, boredom, prolonged dieting,
and body image dissatisfaction. Night eating may temporarily relieve the stress
of these unwanted feelings, but for the night eater these episodes are unfortunately
followed by feelings of guilt, shame, disgust, and further depression. For the person
suffering from Night Eating Syndrome, the eating episodes usually occur in secret
and any evidence is often hidden from others. Similar to Anorexics, Bulimics, and
Compulsive Overeaters, individuals suffering from Night Eating Syndrome are often
struggling and unhappy with their weight. It is estimated that up to one percent
of the population may be suffering from Night Eating Syndrome. Like Anorexia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa, and Compulsive Overeating, Night Eating Syndrome is a disease and
cannot be cured with willpower alone.
For more information or to arrange for a free confidential consultation, call
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