Night Eating Syndrome

What is night eating syndrome?

Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a condition characterised by delayed food intake, where individuals consume a significant portion of their daily calories in the evening or during the night, often accompanied by insomnia or waking up to eat.

How common is night eating syndrome?

NES is less common than other eating disorders, affecting around 1–1.5% of the general population, but higher in individuals with obesity or mental health issues.

Is night eating syndrome serious?

Yes. NES can disrupt sleep, contribute to weight gain, and is often linked to anxiety, depression, and poor metabolic health. Early treatment can help prevent complications.

When and how to get help with night eating syndrome

If you find yourself frequently eating late at night or waking up to eat, especially if it affects your sleep or emotional wellbeing, speak to a GP or mental health professional.

How to know if you have night eating syndrome

• Consuming at least 25% of daily calories after dinner
• Waking up during the night to eat at least twice a week
• Insomnia or disturbed sleep
• Lack of appetite in the morning
• Distress or impaired functioning related to eating patterns

Typical signs and symptoms of night eating syndrome

• Evening hyperphagia (excessive evening eating)
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Feelings of guilt or shame after night eating
• Low mood or anxiety, especially in the evening

Complications of untreated night eating syndrome

• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Sleep disorders or poor quality sleep
• Depression and anxiety
• Poor quality of life

What causes night eating syndrome?

• Disruptions in circadian rhythm (biological clock)
• Emotional stress or trauma
• Depression or anxiety
• Hormonal imbalances affecting appetite (e.g., leptin, melatonin)
• Excessive calorie restriction during the day

Risk factors for developing night eating syndrome

• Family history of eating disorders or depression
• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep hygiene
• Shift work or irregular sleep schedules

Is night eating syndrome hereditary or lifestyle-based?

Both. While lifestyle and emotional factors often play a central role, some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to NES.

How is night eating syndrome diagnosed?

NES is diagnosed based on clinical interviews and behavioural criteria, such as frequency of night eating and its impact on health and wellbeing.

Tests and assessments used to identify night eating syndrome

• Clinical interviews
• Sleep diaries and food journals
• Questionnaires (e.g., Night Eating Questionnaire, NEQ)
• Screening for associated conditions (e.g., depression, obesity)

Medical treatment for night eating syndrome

• Psychological therapy (e.g., CBT)
• Medication to address mood or sleep disturbances
• Melatonin or other circadian rhythm regulators (in some cases)

Therapies and interventions for night eating syndrome

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
• Sleep hygiene education
• Nutritional counselling

Do medications help with night eating syndrome?

Yes, especially if NES is related to depression or circadian rhythm disruptions. Antidepressants or melatonin may be prescribed alongside therapy.

Lifestyle changes to manage night eating syndrome

• Establish regular meal patterns
• Prioritise balanced meals during the day
• Practise good sleep hygiene
• Limit exposure to screens before bed

Home remedies and self-help for night eating syndrome

• Keep a structured routine
• Use relaxation techniques before bed
• Journal food intake and emotional triggers
• Avoid stimulants like caffeine especially late in the day

When should you get medical help for night eating syndrome?

• If night eating is affecting your sleep or health
  
• If you feel unable to control eating habits at night
• If you experience anxiety or depression

Night eating syndrome in children

Uncommon but can occur, particularly in children with irregular sleep patterns or emotional stress.

Night eating syndrome during pregnancy

May develop or worsen due to hormonal changes and sleep disturbances.

Night eating syndrome in older adults

Can be linked to loneliness, sleep disorders, or long-standing emotional patterns.

Can you prevent night eating syndrome?

Promoting regular sleep and eating habits, eating sufficient calories during the day, managing stress, and maintaining emotional health can help reduce the risk.

Tips to reduce your risk of night eating syndrome

• Set a consistent sleep-wake schedule
• Eat regular, satisfying meals
• Manage stress with non-food coping tools
• Limit light and device exposure before bed

Living with night eating syndrome

Recovery involves changing sleep and eating routines, addressing emotional triggers, and seeking support from health professionals.

How to manage night eating syndrome in the long term

• Maintain regular follow-up with a therapist or GP
• Monitor sleep and eating patterns
• Practise ongoing stress management
• Build a consistent, calming evening routine

Our mission

Medicspot provides tailored support for individuals struggling with night eating syndrome through medical guidance and therapeutic referral.

Some of our treatments may help with this condition, but please note that we cannot treat you if you have a diagnosed or suspected eating disorder.

Dr Jackir Hussain is a GP who has been a doctor for 14 years after obtaining his medical degree from the University of Manchester, England. He has worked across a range of primary care settings and has special interests in weight management and telemedicine.

Dr Abby Hyams completed her medical training in Bristol and has been a GP for 19 years, spending many of those as a partner in an NHS practice in Hemel Hempstead. She has a particular passion for supporting patients with weight loss and promoting positive behaviour change, helping individuals build sustainable habits that improve their long-term health and wellbeing.

This article is for general information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Medic Spot Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 999 for immediate assistance.

There is no guarantee of a specific weight loss medication being prescribed. Clinicians will review your online questionnaire alongside other independently validated medical information about you and will recommend the most appropriate weight loss treatments for you based on your answers. In some cases, the clinicians may contact you for additional information. See Terms of Service for more information.