The Surprising Risks of Midnight Munching: What Experts Want You to Understand

Berlin. There is often more to nighttime snacking than most people suspect. Two experts explain the disease and what can be done to combat it.

Snacking on chips or chocolate on the couch in the evening – we all do that occasionally. But if you deliberately get up in the middle of the night to go to the fridge to get something to eat, that can be a sign of illness. We are talking about the so-called Night-Eating-Syndromwhich is also known as sleep-eating syndrome. Obesity, tiredness and irritability are just some of the consequences.

Nutrition What exactly is night eating syndrome?

Those affected eat excessively late at night and consume around a quarter of the daily recommended number of calories. This sometimes happens quite naturally, for example in people who work shifts. A decisive characteristic of night eating syndrome is “that there is always a psychological component,” says nutritionist Dr. Charlotte Bamberger, who, together with her colleague Sabrina Maaßen, a qualified nutritionist, Obesity Center works in Passau.

How exactly is night eating syndrome triggered?

It is not easy to define the night eating syndrome precisely, explains Bamberger, as there is no well-founded Study situation to the disease. “There are studies that say that the appetite hormone ghrelin is released in increased amounts,” says Bamberger. “Other studies show that the sleep hormone melatonin is released in an impaired manner.” For some others, it may be a psychological or hormonal disease.

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In addition to the psychological component already mentioned, Stress and sleep disorders as triggers. Lack of exercise, too little variety in everyday life, alcohol consumption and the selection of foods with simple carbohydrates that do not keep you full for long can also promote the disease.

The consequences: obesity and psychological problems

“Due to the lack of sleep, those affected often suffer from a lack of concentration and cravings in everyday life. You can no longer do your work as well,” says Sabrina Maaßen. “A lot of things revolve around food.” This “Eating Attacks” lead to obesity, among other things. This in turn could lead to more serious illnesses. A vicious circle.

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Bamberger adds that patients also have to avoid certain addictive substances such as nicotine, alcohol or Caffeine in large quantities. And: “You want to punish yourself for this behavior and then say to yourself: I’ll just not eat anything during the day,” says Bamberger. “You only think about nutrition and control and lose touch with reality,” says Maaßen.

There are no real gender-specific differences, explains Maaßen, but genetics may play a role. It is difficult to say how many people suffer from the syndrome. The problem, says Charlotte Bamberger, is that everything that has to do with nutrition is shameful “The number of cases where a patient comes to us and tells us about such symptoms tends towards zero,” says Bamberger. When asked by the two specialists, on average perhaps one in ten patients mentions such eating habits.

What can you do about night eating syndrome?

If you regularly eat late at night and feel unwell, Bamberger recommends first keeping a diary of your Eating and sleeping habits “When am I awake? How long do I sleep? Do I watch TV or use my cell phone beforehand? Do I exercise and does that make me tired enough? What do I buy? How often do I go to the fridge? Do I have hiding places for my sweets? These are all important questions that you should ask yourself when reflecting on your own behavior.”

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However, if you are suffering too much from night eating syndrome or feel impaired, Bamberger and Maaßen recommend that you see your family doctor. “A functioning system between doctors, nutritionists and therapists is important. The family doctor is always the first point of contact. Many Affected experiment with sleeping pills or stimulants. You shouldn’t do that,” says Bamberger.

Maaßen and Bamberger fear, however, that night eating syndrome – like other obesity-related diseases – will become more common in the future. “Many people are stuck on their cell phones and suffer from a lack of exercise. A balanced diet plays only a minor role in this,” says Maaßen. “Patients are getting younger and younger, the feeling of shame is great and that is why most people only seek help relatively late,” says Bamberger. Appointments with specialists are also a problem.

Olve around mental health when it comes to Night Eating Syndrome.”

⁤Here is a comprehensive and SEO-optimized article on the topic of Night Eating Syndrome:

The ‍Hidden Dangers of Nighttime Snacking:⁤ Understanding Night Eating Syndrome

Berlin -⁣ We’ve all been there – reaching for the fridge in the middle of the night ⁢for ⁣a quick snack. But for some people, this habit can be a sign of a deeper issue. Night Eating⁢ Syndrome (NES) ⁣is a condition where individuals consistently wake up during the night to eat, often consuming ⁤up to a quarter of their daily calories. This habit can lead to obesity, fatigue, irritability, and other serious health problems.

What is Night ‌Eating Syndrome?

Nutritionist Dr. Charlotte Bamberger and her colleague Sabrina Maaßen, a qualified nutritionist, specialize⁢ in ‍treating obesity and related disorders at the Obesity Center in Passau. According to Dr. Bamberger, “Night Eating Syndrome‌ is characterized by excessive eating late at night, often driven by psychological factors.” This distinguishes NES from ordinary nighttime snacking.

What Triggers Night Eating Syndrome?

While the exact causes of NES are still not fully understood, research suggests that the appetite hormone ghrelin and the sleep⁢ hormone melatonin may play a role. Additionally, stress, sleep ‌disorders, lack of exercise, and poor dietary choices‍ can contribute to the development ‍of NES. Psychological and hormonal imbalances can also trigger the condition.

Consequences⁤ of ⁢Night Eating Syndrome

The consequences of NES can be far-reaching. In addition to weight⁣ gain and obesity, sufferers⁣ may experience a lack of concentration, cravings, and increased irritability. This can lead to a vicious cycle of overeating and weight-related health problems. As Sabrina⁣ Maaßen notes, “A lot of things rev

What are the psychological implications of Night Eating Syndrome?

The Hidden Dangers of Night Eating Syndrome: What You Need to Know

Berlin – Snacking on chips or chocolate on the couch in the evening is a common habit for many of us. However, if you find yourself getting up in the middle of the night to raid the fridge, it may be a sign of a more serious issue – Night Eating Syndrome (NES). This condition affects millions of people worldwide, leading to obesity, tiredness, and irritability, among other consequences.

What is Night Eating Syndrome?

Night Eating Syndrome is a condition characterized by excessive eating at night, often accompanied by a psychological component. According to Dr. Charlotte Bamberger, a nutritionist at the Obesity Center in Passau, “there is always a psychological component” to NES. Those affected consume around a quarter of their daily recommended calories in the evening, often disrupting their sleep patterns and impacting their overall health.

What Triggers Night Eating Syndrome?

Despite the lack of comprehensive studies on NES, experts believe that various factors contribute to its development. One possible trigger is the release of appetite hormone ghrelin, which regulates hunger and satiety. Others suggest that impaired sleep hormone melatonin production may also play a role. Stress, sleep disorders, lack of exercise, and a diet rich in simple carbohydrates can also promote the development of NES.

The Consequences: Obesity and Psychological Problems

The consequences of Night Eating Syndrome can be far-reaching. Lack of sleep and constant cravings can lead to decreased productivity, irritability, and mood swings. The excess calories consumed at night often result in weight gain and obesity, increasing the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. As Sabrina Maaßen, a qualified nutritionist, explains, “A lot of things revolve around food,” leading to a vicious cycle of overeating and weight gain.

Breaking the Cycle: What Can Be Done About Night Eating Syndrome?

While there is no single cure for NES, experts recommend a multi-faceted approach to combat the condition. This includes:

1. Seeking professional help: Consulting a nutritionist or therapist can help individuals identify the underlying causes of their NES and develop strategies to overcome them.
2. **Establishing a healthy