The application of ecological momentary assessment to the study of night eating.
OBJECTIVE
Night eating syndrome (NES) was first described in 1955 by Albert Stunkard and colleagues. NES consists of either overeating at night or waking up during the night and eating.


METHODS
In the current study we used ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to describe 14 self-defined night-eaters. The participants in the current study completed an EMA protocol of approximately two weeks.


RESULTS
We found that ratings of hunger appeared to be higher during night awakenings than in the evening. Also, both affect and arousal generally decreased throughout the day and were lowest during awakening episodes.


CONCLUSIONS
The current study adds interesting data in describing the experience of night-eating behavior with ecological momentary assessments from self-described night-eaters.
Boseck
Justin J
JJ
Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Clinical Research, Fargo, North Dakota 58103, USA. jboseck@nrifargo.com
Engel
Scott G
SG
Allison
Kelly C
KC
Crosby
Ross D
RD
Mitchell
James E
JE
de Zwaan
Martina
M
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013995:Time; D014851:Wakefulness