Night Eating Syndrome- Anyone else have these symptoms?

Wow, I was researching eating disorders for a paper I have to write, and I came across this entry, which really caught my attention. I guess it is not officially a diagnosable condition yet, but it might be in the future. It describes me so well, it just gives me the willies. Did anyone else have the same problems?<br><br> <b>Night eating syndrome</b><br> <u>Signs and symptoms</u> <br> The person has little or no appetite for breakfast. Delays first meal for several hours after waking up. Is not hungry or is upset about how much was eaten the night before. <br> Eats more food after dinner than during that meal.<br> Eats more than half of daily food intake after dinner but before breakfast. <br> This pattern has persisted for at least two months. <br> Person feels tense, anxious, upset, or guilty while eating.<br> Person may be moody at night: tense, anxious, nervous, depressed, etc. <br> Has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Wakes frequently and then often eats.<br> Foods ingested are often carbohydrates: sugary and starch.<br> Behavior is not like binge eating which is done in relatively short episodes. Night-eating syndrome involves continual eating throughout evening hours. <br> This eating produces guilt and shame, not enjoyment. <br> <u>How many people have night-eating syndrome?</u> <br> Perhaps only one to two percent (1-2%) of adults in the general population have this problem, but one study suggests that more than a quarter (27%) of people who are overweight by at least 100 pounds eat this way. <br> <u>Comments</u><br> Night-eating syndrome has not yet been formally defined as an eating disorder. Underlying causes are being identified, and treatment plans are still being developed. It seems likely that a combination of biological, genetic, and emotional factors contribute to the problem.<br> Researchers are especially interested in the foods chosen by night eaters. The heavy preference for carbohydrates, which trigger the brain to produce so-called "feel-good" neurochemicals, suggests that night eating may be an unconscious attempt to self-medicate mood problems.<br> If you are seeking help for night-eating syndrome, you would be wise to schedule a complete physical exam with your physician and also an evaluation with a counselor trained in the field of eating disorders. In addition, a dietitian can help develop meal plans that distribute intake more evenly throughout the day so that you are not so vulnerable to caloric loading in the evening. <br> http://www.anred.com/nes.html

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