The relationship between hunger and sleep is regulated by the control of homeostatic (balancing) and circadian rhythms (body clock). Circadian rhythms of eating and sleeping in humans are generally in harmony with each other. In individuals experiencing night eating syndrome, the rhythm between the two is disrupted. In night eating syndrome, the biological rhythms of eating and sleeping are separated. There is a delay in energy intake, as a result, these individuals' morning eating is suppressed, while their evening and night eating increases. There is a delay of 2 to 6 hours between eating and sleeping rhythms. However, the sleep cycle is not disrupted. Abnormal eating behavior during the sleep period may be caused by different reasons. Night eating syndrome is an eating disorder in which anorexia in the morning, hyperphagia in the evening, and nocturnal eating after waking up are accompanied by insomnia. Recently, night eating syndrome has been conceptualized as a circadian delay in eating food.
Approximately 50% of daily calories are consumed through snacks after dinner.
The target of nutritional treatment during night eating syndrome is primarily during the day. is to balance the nutritional program within. Because this may cause weight gain.
Carbohydrates containing simple sugars such as rice, potatoes, pastries or desserts should be avoided, and whole grain breads, whole wheat pasta or bulgur should be preferred instead. Since simple carbohydrates raise and lower blood sugar quickly, they cause early hunger, while with complex carbohydrates, the satiety balance will last longer.
Dinner should be organized and a snack should be made two-three hours before going to bed. This snack should be a balanced snack consisting of protein and carbohydrates to balance blood sugar throughout the night.
If the desire to eat continues, tomatoes-cucumbers or seasonal greens can be eaten as a snack. Raw vegetables can be eaten at any time of the day, as they have almost no calories and provide a feeling of satiety.
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