Question:
ways to combat night eating

I dont sleep well and am up several times a night, every time i get up i think i need to eat something so i can go back to sleep. i feel hungry and think that is why i am not sleeping. it is a viscious circle. and help would be appreciated, 22 months post op    — terri R. (posted on September 9, 2004)

September 8, 2004
I read over the recent postings in your profile and may have some suggestions for you. Try to watch your carbs during the day since they can make you hungrier and might be contributing to your hunger at night. Also, are you exercising regularly? This should help you with sleeping as long as you don't exercise right before going to bed. Watch your caffeine since that triggers cravings and hunger and may be disrupting your sleep. Try drinking a small glass of water when you get up at night - you might just be thirsty. I hope this helps you.
   — Yolanda J.

September 8, 2004
I agree about the carb thing... if you eat too many refined carbs during the day your blood sugar can dip which can make you wake up "hungry". If you still have a problem, I would go ahead and eat a small protein snack (mozerella stick, hard boiled egg, etc). Protein is like "free food" for me, and if I'm having a "hungry" day, I can add protein snacks without a problem.
   — mom2jtx3

September 9, 2004
Water is the best appetite suppresant that ever existed. Every time you get these cravings, drink a bottle or glass of water. Then wait 10 minutes and see if you still have the craving. Also watch your carb intake. Carbs make me have the craziest cravings.
   — Cathy S.

September 9, 2004
Exercising during the day helps you stay asleep all night. Also no caffeine after 12 noon. I was eating at night. Not in the middle of the night, but I was having a meal at 10pm, making 4 meals a day instead of 3. It haulted my loss. I tried for a month to stop and I couldn't. So instead of breakfast now, I just have a protein drink. Why fight something hard when you can change something easy? I don't like to eat in the AM.
   — mrsmyranow

September 9, 2004
I always have a protein snack about an hour before I go to bed then keep a bottle of water beside the bed. Everytime I wake up, I drink some of the water. So far, I haven't been hungry at all when I wake up and usually don't get hungry until about mid-morning. I also avoid all white flour and white sugar and don't eat potatoes, rice, or cereals. You might try some of those things to see if they'll work for you. And I do find that I sleep more soundly if I exercise everyday, even if it's no more than walking.
   — scbabe

September 9, 2004
Great suggestions, especially the one about having the bottle of water by the bedside. If you drink 8 oz very fast, called water loading,it should make you feel full and perhaps feel full long enough to go back to sleep. Of course, you then run the risk of having to get up an hour later to pee what you consumed an hour earlier! I would also suggest you look at why you don't sleep well. Have you asked your doctor for a prescription sleep aid? I went thru a period where I could not stay asleep or wake up restful, so I got a prescription for ambien. You can't use it forever, but after afew weeks my body kinda retrained itself to stay asleep. I still use the ambien if I am having troubles getting to sleep and need a good nights sleep. There is no morning hangover with ambien. another over the counter sleep aid to try is melatonin. Some think it works wonders to get you to sleep and others have not had success with it, but worth a try. There are also teas that claim to put you to sleep. I'm not a tea drinker, but they may also help.
   — Cindy R.

September 9, 2004
Have a protein drink (1/2 cup) before you go to bed. Remember our you eating 6 small meals a day? No more than a 1/2 cup of food. If you're not eating this may be why you are hungry. Have a some peanutbutter (no sugar added) about a 1/2 before you go to bed. Don't worry about eating before going to bed. If you are following the 1/2 cup portions your not going to overeat. Good Luck!
   — Linda R.