I was diagnosed with NES (Night Eating Syndrome) when I was an adolescent. This syndrome has a genetic component and has been an issue in my family for the past three generations. Mostly only the males in my family are conflicted with the cycle of night eating. The cabinets in my kitchen were always locked because me, my brothers, and my Dad would get up (knowingly and unknowingly) 1-3 times a night to get something to eat.

I was determined to break the night eating cycle during my post op phase and did so for the first 6 months. After that, it all started again full force. I wake up three times a night at the same times every night (12:30, 3:00, 4:30). I absolutely cannot get back to sleep unless I eat something. It has always been that way. My food choices are still smart and I have not gained any weight since this problem reappeared. My consumption at night is usually cucumbers with vinegar or pickles.

For those of you that think night eating should be easily controlled, think again. Sleep medications and antidepressants have not helped at all. Night Eating Syndrome is characterized by these 5 primary signs:

1. Not hungry in the morning

2. Overeating in the evening

3. Difficulty falling asleep

4. Waking at night and eating (usually 2 or more times)

5. Feeling depressed

I'm currently working through a step by step guidebook. I've reduced eating three times a night to two times night. I'm hoping to get it decreased to at least once a night. When I share this problem with others, I usually get a lecture about weight gain. I'm still including the calories from my night eating into my overall daily count. So, its not a huge problem yet because I've lost 140 pounds while struggling with this syndrome. I would love to be able to sleep through the night or get up only once. Part of me thinks that this is just a habit that I have to break like everything else.

I would love to hear from others that struggle with night eating syndrome. If anyone has found a way to break the cycle or know some effective strategies, then that would be appreciated.

tomi71,

I would love to be able to take something like Xanax, Klonopin, or Valium (Benzo's) and it would probably do the trick quite well. The script wouldn't be hard to get, since there are many doctors that give it out like candy. My PCP, however, will not. That is why she is my chosen doctor.

I just cannot take something so powerfully addicting. The switch from food addiction to drug addiction would be to easy for me. I wish it wasn't that way and I probably could fool myself into thinking it's all okay for a few months. It just never ends well for me when it comes to those kind of drugs. Plus, they have addiction clinics specifically for patients who are having a hard time detoxing off of benzomyapines (sp?). That tells me that I would probably be better off without than even attempting these type of medications. I'm currently trying out some all natural pills (Melatonin, Valarian Root). No such luck with these yet.

I hear you. You should Celebrate the fact that you know your limitations and have the mindset to stay healthy. I lucked out in the sleep meds dept in that I don't feel compelled to abuse but I can most definitely relate how easy it is to trade one addiction for another. I was scared that that's exactly what would happen after surgery....trading my food issues for drugs or some other unhealthy habit.

I hope you find some relief. Sleep is so important in our journey. I wish you sweet dreams and good health! ☺️

tomi71,

I would love to be able to take something like Xanax, Klonopin, or Valium (Benzo's) and it would probably do the trick quite well. The script wouldn't be hard to get, since there are many doctors that give it out like candy. My PCP, however, will not. That is why she is my chosen doctor.

I just cannot take something so powerfully addicting. The switch from food addiction to drug addiction would be to easy for me. I wish it wasn't that way and I probably could fool myself into thinking it's all okay for a few months. It just never ends well for me when it comes to those kind of drugs. Plus, they have addiction clinics specifically for patients who are having a hard time detoxing off of benzomyapines (sp?). That tells me that I would probably be better off without than even attempting these type of medications. I'm currently trying out some all natural pills (Melatonin, Valarian Root). No such luck with these yet.

I hear you. You should celebrate the fact that you know your limitations and have the mindset to stay healthy. I lucked out in the sleep meds dept in that I don't feel compelled to abuse but I can most definitely relate how easy it is to trade one addiction for another. I was scared that that's exactly what would happen after surgery....trading my food issues for drugs or some other unhealthy habit.

I hope you find some relief. Sleep is so important in our journey. I wish you sweet dreams and good health! ☺️

Just a little update...............

NOTHING has really changed much with my ritualistic night time wakening. It's still very much uncontrollable and about three times a night at the same times. As for eating when I wake up at night, some weeks are better than others. The holidays were stressful for me and it sort of carried over to my night time eating. I ate almost a pound of grapes throughout the night (during the 3 times I woke up). This kind of eating doesn't go on during the day. It's quite a wonder that I can maintain my weight.

My latest tests showed ketones in my urine. I'm not diabetic and quite far out from surgery to be in ketosis. After a little research, I discovered that ketosis can wake you up during the night. Anyone else heard of this?

I was on seroquel I know your pain but im very surprised about the reaction to benadryl , I also know the insomnia its almost 230am in my part I should be sleeping and not thinking about walking to the kitchen to graze

Seroquel was actually the only thing that helped me sleep through the night. Unfortunately, it does cause weight gain. It made me crave carbs like crazy. I hate to start taking it again because it's quite a powerful drug. The same goes for Trazodone. I think I'll be weighing the benefits against the risks if I continue feeling like a walking zombie during the day.

I have gotten a little better about what I choose to eat at night. It's usually cucumbers or lettuce with vinegar. It is possible for me to eat a whole head of lettuce throughout the night.

When I confessed these habits at my OA meeting, everyone looked at me like I was crazy or needed professional help. If my weight is still stable, despite these habits, then why is it such a big deal? I do tend to eat less during the day when I eat at night. My recent labs were nearly perfect. I'm questioning the OA abstinence program because its just a big ball of guilt for me.

let me know what you find out @@WL WARRIOR

I notice mine is worse when the moon is full.

I use to think it was bad during that TOM but that a thing of the past.

I fight the insomnia/graze thing a couple of times a month and for days at a time.

jane13,

You are so right! It does go through different phases and usually a few days at a time. These past few nights have been terrible. It's so odd that when I do wake up at night, I don't feel groggy. I'm more awake than when its time to get up in the morning. My body just feels like its time to wake up. Do you have to pee when you wake up during the night? I always do, even if I don't drink after 6PM.

I'm going to a specialist and keep you posted on what I find out.

@@WL WARRIOR - yes, sometimes I need to pee. Unless I feel like I am going to wet myself (oops TMI) I try to go back to sleep - if I have more than an hour or so to get up. I get up by 3:30am M-F for work. I try to not drink after 6 either but I did get that extra 16-20oz in after 6pm (and in the middle of the night, which I quit doing).

I also try to not let my mind start "running", or I am doomed and might as well get up. For example: I have woke up at 2:30 everyday this week. I just stayed up - I was wide awake

I don't feel groggy either.....but around 7pm or so I am doing eyelid checks!!!

By the way, I wake up regardless if its a workday or not. Hubby likes to sleep in - I can't, so I watch shows I have DVRd.

Hot tub and a little protein helps me sleep well. Good snuggling helps too

When I confessed these habits at my OA meeting, everyone looked at me like I was crazy or needed professional help. If my weight is still stable, despite these habits, then why is it such a big deal? I do tend to eat less during the day when I eat at night. My recent labs were nearly perfect. I'm questioning the OA abstinence program because its just a big ball of guilt for me.

@@WL WARRIOR ... I'm interested in your last comment (above in bold). What did you mean by that?

I struggle with night eating. I'm on Seroquel (need it for bipolar - nothing else works) and when I've switched to other meds the night eating almost stops, but my bipolar symptoms come back.

I've managed to reign in it a lot by changing the types of foods I eat when I eat at night. Now it's usually veggies or string cheese, or a leftover piece of chicken breast from dinner. I had to get all the carbs and sweets out of the house to stop gaining weight. Back when there were donuts and ice cream allowed in the house that was what I ate and I put on weight like crazy. I hate that I still feel that compulsion to get up and eat even though I'm not doing much nutritional damage anymore.

I went to one Overeaters Anonymous meeting and personally found it incredibly unhelpful.

I have always been a sporadic sleeper , at best.

I am dealing with my night wandering by: moving my bedroom upstairs--away from the kitchen, and taking a Protein shake and a dill pickle up with me when I do go to bed.

I account for the shake and pickle in my food log, so I am managing. Right now, I am content with my plan.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I struggle with night eating. I'm on Seroquel (need it for bipolar - nothing else works) and when I've switched to other meds the night eating almost stops, but my bipolar symptoms come back.

I've managed to reign in it a lot by changing the types of foods I eat when I eat at night. Now it's usually veggies or string cheese, or a leftover piece of chicken breast from dinner. I had to get all the carbs and sweets out of the house to stop gaining weight. Back when there were donuts and ice cream allowed in the house that was what I ate and I put on weight like crazy. I hate that I still feel that compulsion to get up and eat even though I'm not doing much nutritional damage anymore.

I went to one Overeaters Anonymous meeting and personally found it incredibly unhelpful.

I am bipolar also....explained why i have always been a night owl...lol. Finally after being diagnosed 2yrs ago....2 yrs post sleeve....valium is what works for me and a Protein drink. I take depakote and prozac also. Finally my cocktail....for now anyway. I have to make myself take the valium because i want to stay awake.

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