Night Eating Syndrome

The night eating syndrome ( NES ), German Nocturnal eating , is an eating disorder , suffer when the person concerned under night cravings. NES is used when at least 25% of the daily food intake occurs after the last meal of the day and / or when there is a sleep disorder that is accompanied by food intake. NES has so far been little researched and is not listed in the ICD-10 international diagnostic classification system .

Characteristics and symptoms

People with Night Eating Syndrome eat an average of one entire meal late in the evening or at night. The amount of food consumed during the nighttime hours can be up to half of the total daily intake. A characteristic feature here is the intake of food that is particularly rich in carbohydrates . This results in increased insulin secretion, which can lead to further food cravings. This often results in getting up and eating several times at night, as many night eaters cannot fall asleep again without having eaten. Breakfast is often skipped in the morning because those affected have no appetite . Night Eating Syndrome is often accompanied by depression and anxiety . In addition, those affected suffer from overweight , stress and are prone to addictive behavior .

Epidemiology

Around 1–2% of the population has NES. Various studies indicate that overweight people are affected far more often.

causes

Researchers have yet to prove the causes of NES. Empirical studies mainly indicate genetic causes, as NES occurs more often in families. A dysregulation of hormones is also suspected - which allows conclusions to be drawn about the possible concomitant diseases.

literature

• Martin Wabitsch, Johannes Hebebrand, Wieland Kiess, Karl Zwiauer (eds.): Nachtliches Essen (Night Eating Syndrome) . Obesity in children and adolescents: basics and clinic . Springer-Verlag, 2005, pp. 231-233

Web links

• Stephan Herpertz: The Night Eating Syndrome . (PDF) German Society for Eating Disorders, Newsletter 2/2013, pp. 5–8

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Awake, hungry and stressed. In: behavorial.net. September 30, 2006, accessed February 27, 2012 . 
2. ↑ Night Eating Syndrome (NES). In: heisshunger.org. Retrieved February 27, 2012 . 
3. ↑ ^{a b} Night Eating Syndrome: More than a Bad Habit. In: Deutsches Ärzteblatt . July 2009, accessed February 27, 2012 . 
4. ↑ ANRED: Night Eating Syndrome. Retrieved February 27, 2012 . 

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !