If you often wake up in the early morning with an uncontrollable urge to eat, you may be experiencing Night Eating Syndrome (NES). Among its main triggers are neuroendocrine dysregulation, chronic stress and anxiety, irregular eating patterns, and sleep disruption. Symptoms of NES include little sensation of hunger in the morning, calorie consumption after dinner, episodes of nighttime eating with a lack of control, and a depressed or anxious mood associated with the disorder.
If left untreated, NES can increase the risk of obesity, insulin resistance, hormonal alterations, and predisposition to mood disorders. Additionally, it negatively impacts sleep quality.
Sleeping at least 7 hours of quality sleep per night is essential for maintaining metabolic balance and controlling nighttime calorie intake. Lack of sleep alters hunger hormones, increasing ghrelin and reducing leptin, which can lead to nighttime cravings and higher calorie consumption, as specialists explain.
Treatment for NES requires an interdisciplinary approach that combines nutritional, psychological, and medical interventions. It is key to understand that it is not a matter of willpower, but a disruption in the regulation of hunger and sleep, often associated with anxiety or depression.
This disorder is influenced by biological, psychological, and behavioral aspects. Treatment involves changes in eating habits, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and in some cases, pharmacological support to stabilize hormonal cycles and improve sleep quality. Identifying and treating these symptoms is essential for improving the overall well-being of the affected person.
