The night eating syndrome: a progress report.
The night eating syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder marked by a delay in the circadian pattern of eating that disrupts sleep. Studies have shown that those with NES eat a significant proportion of their calories after their evening meal and wake up during the night to eat. However, the timing of the sleep cycles are phase appropriate, with similar bedtimes and morning wake up times as control subjects, suggesting that the delayed eating rhythm may secondarily disrupt sleep. A case study and an open-label trial with SSRIs suggest that they may treat NES effectively. Randomized controlled trials are needed.
Stunkard
Albert J
AJ
Weight and Eating Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. stunkard@mail.med.upenn.edu
Allison
Kelly C
KC
O'Reardon
John P
JP
D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors