Hello infernos,
Your question refers to an eating disorder know by the following
names: night-eating syndrome, NES, or nocturnal eating disorder, and
was actually first described back in 1955. It seems this disorder
affects 1 to 2 percent of the population, although the incidence seems
to be greater in the overweight population, and may run in families.
Research has shown that NES may be linked to hormone imbalances,
particularly an elevated cortisol, and decreased levels of melatonin
and leptin. (Leptin, known as the "hunger hormone" normally rises at
night, acting as an appetite suppressant. If leptin levels are lower
than normal, it stands to reason that appetite may be increased)
NES patients have a desire to consume large amounts of carbohydrates
and other ?comfort? foods, and may be attempting to relieve stress.
Carbohydrates are known to increase the amount of tryptophan, which
is then converted to serotonin, responsible for giving us a sense of
calm and well- being.
I found this Diagnose-Me ?The Analyst? web site to be very
comprehensive in explaining NES, its diagnosis, lab tests, and its
treatment. You will find most terms as hyperlinks, clickable words
that take you to a page which explains any unfamiliar terms.
http://www.diagnose-me.com/cond/C303927.html
?According to new research findings by Norwegian physiologists, the
midnight raid on the refrigerator may not be the product of an
insatiable appetite. Instead, the night eater may be suffering from a
failure of the body to respond appropriately to
stress?http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2002/02/020213074459.htm
From the Psycport.com website, ?Night-eating syndrome doesn't refer to
simple midnight snacking. People with the condition usually eat for
much of the evening, often eating more throughout the night than they
do at dinner. The syndrome isn't officially recognized as either a
psychological or a medical disorder yet. No commonly accepted
treatment exists for night-eating syndrome because it remains
relatively unstudied.
Night-eating syndrome isn't all in the head, however. Sufferers have
detectable changes in certain hormones that control sleep, appetite
and stress. These changes mean that, in effect, sufferers are
"permanently jet-lagged" during the day, The Times of London reports.?
http://www.psycport.com/news/2001/04/30/eng-healthscout_daily/eng-healthscout_daily_121838_73_7387384707108.html
From this Anred.com website: ??night eating may be an unconscious
attempt to self-medicate mood problems.?
http://www.anred.com/nes.html
Quoted from this Mecola.com website: ?In general, the night eaters
exhibited a gradual and slight increase in their stress hormones after
the injection, followed by a gradual decrease, while their peers in
the comparison group exhibited a rapid and significantly greater
increase in their stress hormones, followed by a gradual decrease. ?
http://www.mercola.com/2002/mar/2/eating_syndrome.htm
The JAMA article to which you refer can be read in brief here. (To
read the entire article, you must pay)
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/282/7/657
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=10517719
I hope this answers your question, infernos. If any part of my answer
is unclear, or I have duplicated information you already have, please
request an answer clarification, and I will be glad to help further.
Regards,
crabcakes-ga
Search Stategy:
Night eating disorder |
