What are the long-term risks associated with night eating syndrome?
Night eating syndrome (NES), also known as evening eating disorder, is a condition involving binge eating of large amounts of food during evening or nighttime hours. Night eating syndrome is characterized by a pattern of disturbed sleep and interrupted sleep. It is associated with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. People with night eating syndrome regularly go to sleep too late, wake up for long periods during the night, and have difficulty falling back asleep. They often eat large amounts of food late at night, often immediately after waking.
People with night eating syndrome may not be aware of the risks associated with this disorder, as it tends to go undiagnosed and unrecognized. As such, they may not realize that they are putting their health at risk. The risks associated with night eating syndrome may be short-term and long-term.
The short-term effects associated with night eating syndrome include disrupted sleep and increased hunger during the nighttime hours. People with NES are at an increased risk of feeling lethargic during the day and may experience difficulty concentrating. People with night eating syndrome also have an increased risk of weight gain and obesity due to their abnormal eating habits. Low blood sugar levels, due to episodes of binge eating in the evenings and middle of the night, are also linked to NES.
Unfortunately, the long-term risks of night eating syndrome can be serious and even life-threatening. People with NES are at an increased risk for developing Type 2 Diabetes, as blood sugar levels become more difficult to manage due to their disturbed eating habits. This ailment can have serious implications for the health of a person with NES in the long-term, as untreated or poorly managed Type 2 Diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious illnesses.
Night eating syndrome can also have psychological effects, as it is often linked to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. People with NES may feel feelings of guilt and shame due to their abnormal eating patterns, which can lead to further mental health problems in the long term. Additionally, the fatigue associated with night eating can lead to poorer work and school performance, difficulty socializing, and decreased quality of life.
Though night eating syndrome can be serious, it is treatable. Working with a dietitian, therapist, and doctor can help create a personalized treatment plan that works for a person’s individual needs. Having an open and honest dialogue with a healthcare provider will help to pinpoint the root of a person’s night eating and work to find a customized solution for the long-term.
Though the long-term risks of night eating syndrome are serious, it can be managed with personalized treatment plans. Consulting with a doctor and having an open dialogue is essential in order to develop a plan that works for an individual and can reduce the risks in the long-term. Published here
[What are the symptoms of night eating syndrome?
How can it be treated?]
Night eating syndrome (NES) is a serious eating disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive nighttime eating. It is more than just the occasional late-night snacking, as people with night eating syndrome typically engage in large amounts of eating after dinner and throughout the night, either at midnight or during the early hours of the morning. While this disorder is gaining more attention from the medical community, there is still much to learn about the disorder and its causes.
The symptoms of night eating syndrome vary from person to person, but there are some common signs that someone may be struggling with the disorder. Some of the most typical signs of night eating syndrome include:
1. Eating a large proportion of your daily calories after dinner and throughout the night;
2. Waking up during the night and feeling the need to eat;
3. Feeling an inability to control eating at night, no matter how hard you try;
4. Craving sweet or high-carbohydrate foods late at night;
5. Having difficulty falling asleep or feeling rested after sleeping;
6. Feeling anxiety, guilt, or shame about night eating;
7. Experiencing periods of stress, depression, or irritability;
8. Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly throughout the day.
It is important for individuals struggling with night eating syndrome to seek treatment right away, as it can often lead to other mental health issues like depression or anxiety, as well as medical issues like diabetes, weight gain, and increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to individuals suffering from night eating syndrome.
One of the most effective treatment methods is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This approach focuses on helping the individual identify negative thought patterns and behavior patterns, such as binge eating and procrastination. Through CBT, the individual can work on changing these unhealthy thought and behavior patterns and learn healthier ways to cope with difficult situations.
Other treatments include medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications can help reduce cravings and anxiety and help the individual to better cope with triggers which might lead to night eating episodes. Additionally, nutritional counseling can be very beneficial, as it can help the individual make healthier food choices and better understand the basics of nutrition.
Finally, it is also important for individuals with night eating syndrome to get regular exercise and to try to establish a structured sleep schedule. Regular exercise can help to burn excess calories, as well as to provide an outlet for stress and anxiety. And establishing a sleep schedule can help individuals to fall asleep earlier and more easily, thus reducing the chances of engaging in night eating episodes.
Overall, night eating syndrome is a serious disorder that should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is showing some of the signs of this disorder, it is important to seek medical help right away to get the best treatment possible. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to overcome this disorder and lead a healthy and happy life.
Visit mengeredstoo.co.uk to learn more about night eating syndrome. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.