Weight Loss & Metabolic Health
What Is Night Eating Syndrome?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
Night eating syndrome (NES) is a circadian eating disorder characterized by consuming most daily calories in the evening or overnight, often with disrupted sleep and morning anorexia. It affects approximately 1–2% of the general population and is more common in people with obesity, depression, and other eating disorders.
Diagnostic criteria
NES is diagnosed when a person consumes at least 25% of daily calories after the evening meal and/or wakes from sleep to eat at least twice weekly. Patients are usually aware of the eating episodes (unlike sleep-related eating disorder).
Causes and contributors
NES involves dysregulation of circadian rhythms in eating, sleep, and hormones. Cortisol and melatonin rhythms are often disrupted. Stress, depression, and dieting/restriction earlier in the day are common triggers.
Treatment
Effective treatment includes CBT specifically tailored for NES, SSRIs (sertraline has the most evidence), structured meal timing that ensures adequate breakfast and lunch, light therapy in the morning, and stress reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is NES different from binge eating?
NES is defined by timing — calories shifted to night — whereas BED involves discrete loss-of-control episodes at any time.
Can sleep medication help?
Treating insomnia helps reduce nighttime awakenings, but underlying eating patterns also need addressing.
Is NES the same as sleep eating?
No — in NES, the person is fully awake; sleep-related eating disorder involves unconscious eating during sleep.
Does eating breakfast help?
Yes — restoring morning appetite is a key part of resetting the eating rhythm.
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