Night eating syndrome is described as a separate disorder bordering on eating disorders, sleep disorders and disturbances in circadian activity. Innocent snacking in the evening does not necessarily mean illness. But what if eating at night takes control of us?
The night eating syndromewas first described in 1955 by A. I. Stunkard. It is a disease involving uncontrolled eating during the night. 1.5% of the adult population suffer from night eating syndrome. This disease is mainly found in obese people (6-14% of obese people and 8-42% of morbidly obese people).
Obesity is not always the main cause, however. Night eating syndrome can also be caused by other conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, diabetes mellitus, depression and bulimia nervosa. Long-term stress can also be a factor conducive to snacking at night.
Worried you might suffer from night eating syndrome? Answer the following questions and find out if you are also affected by this condition.