"Hobbies" eat a lot of midnight? maybe you have night eating disorder & bull; hello healthy

Have you ever felt like you always wanted to eat a large portion of the night? Or, have you ever woken up from sleep at night feeling very hungry? If so, you could be experiencing Night Eating Syndrome (NES).

What is Night Eating Syndrome (NES)

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder characterized by a habit of eating late at night. NES is a form of eating disorder other than anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

The NES syndrome is different from binge eating disorder , namely a person's tendency to eat large portions at one time. A person with NES eats only small portions but a few times at night. NES is also different from sleep eating disorder, which is an eating disorder related to sleep.

However, can the habit of snacking at night also be said to be NES? Certainly not. The following is an explanation of the signs and symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of NES

The characteristic of this syndrome is not feeling hungry throughout the morning and during the day, but the desire to eat becomes very high at night. In fact, someone who has NES can wake up at night to eat. NES sufferers have very high food intake in the afternoon and evening, which is often accompanied by difficulty sleeping (insomnia). Difficulty sleeping occurs because people with NES have the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin that is lower than normal individuals.

So it can be concluded that the three characteristics of NES sufferers are eating disorders, changes in sleep patterns, and disorders mood.

What's causing this midnight hobbies "hobby" distraction?

Although until now doctors have not been able to determine the cause of NES, here are some factors that can trigger NES according to several studies that have been conducted:

• Sleep pattern problems
• Hormonal changes
• History of obesity or eating disorders
• History of depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse,
• Genetic factors. Researchers have found a possible link between NES and genetics. The PER1 gene is thought to have a role in controlling your body's biological clock, so if there is damage to this gene it can cause NES. However, further research is needed to be sure.

How is NES diagnosed by a doctor?

To diagnose NES, your doctor will ask you several questions about your sleeping and eating habits. The doctor will also perform tests polysomnography, to find out the possibility of a sleep disturbance being experienced. The test will measure:

• Brain waves
• Blood oxygen level
• Heart and breathing

You can get an NES diagnosis to confirm your condition if you feel you have been eating excessively and unusually late at night, for at least the last three months.

Impact of eating late at night on health

Excessive calorie intake at night, especially when body activity is reduced, can increase the risk of obesity or weight gain and interfere with the body's metabolic processes. Obesity or being overweight can make people with NES more susceptible to health problems caused by being overweight, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and an increased risk of heart disease. In addition, eating at night close to bedtime has long been known to have a negative impact on your body, including insomnia, increasing the risk of weight gain, obesity and acid reflux disorders.

Can NES be treated?

To treat NES, several things you can do are:

• Using antidepressant drugs. Several studies have shown that the use of antidepressant drugs can improve a person's diet, mood, and quality of life.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). One small study found that relaxation exercises helped change appetite from morning to morning.
• Nutrition Counseling for nutritional therapy in terms of quality, quantity and behavior change and various other supporting therapies. The purpose of nutritional counseling is to change the time and frequency of meals, provide understanding and motivation about food intake that must match the needs and activities of the body.
• Some other treatments that can be done are exercise physiology, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy (IT) and stress management.

If you suspect yourself / friends / family with NES, act immediately because NES will have an impact on quality of life. Consult with a doctor to get the right treatment.

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