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Understand and Treat Nocturnal Hunger Syndrome

Understand and Treat Nocturnal Hunger Syndrome

Night hunger syndrome was described in the 1950s and, according to the authors who reported it for the first time, its main features are nocturnal starvation - hyperphagia , which leads to a high calorie intake in this period; the absence of hunger in the morning, usually with little intake or absence of breakfast, and sleep problems, especially difficulty in getting to sleep (initial insomnia).

Night hunger syndrome is believed to be present in up to 25% of the population with weight gain. It is much more common than you think! It is still unclear, however, which factors trigger it, but it seems that there is an imbalance in some neuroendocrine regulation factors related to the circadian rhythm.

Let's explain better. Some hormones such as melatonin, which is released during sleep, genes of our body (the so-called "clock gens"), along with serotonin, are known to have action in controlling circadian rhythm.

The circadian rhythm is nothing more than the balance that occurs in our body during night and day, or during sleep and wakefulness and all the adjustments that are necessary in our body for this to occur. And that's just the problem: a mismatch between melatonin, clock genes, and serotonin makes people with night hunger syndrome end up hungry at night, loss of daytime appetite, and problems with sleep. "The main problem with night hunger syndrome is related to weight gain and its consequences, which are part of what we call the metabolic syndrome."

Curiously, these people prefer high-calorie, high-fat, low-fiber foods . Scientists believe that these types of foods, such as chocolates, would be able to more effectively activate the pleasure centers in the brain, which is why preference.

Who has a higher chance of developing night hunger syndrome?

Although both men and women can be affected, some studies show a slightly higher frequency in men. The greater predisposition to the syndrome is also associated with mood disorders (usually depression and anxiety) and in people who already have factors that interfere with the circadian rhythm, such as night workers (security guards, health professionals, firefighters, police officers, The main problem of nocturnal hunger syndrome is related to weight gain and its consequences - such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol change - that are part of what we call the metabolic syndrome - the largest cause of death worldwide.

Alternate shifts have different sleep patterns during the 24 hours due to changes in the synchronization of their body rhythms with the light and dark cycle. These sleep disorders have already been associated with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, among others. In a large study, it was observed that obesity was more common in people who worked night shifts, compared to people who only worked in day shifts. In addition, these workers had increased blood fat (triglycerides) and decreased good cholesterol. In other studies, people working at night have also been shown to have increased blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference, and Body Mass Index (BMI).

Addressing the Problem

There are several treatment for night hunger syndrome but basically two approaches are needed The first option is behavioral treatment - with psychotherapy and changes in lifestyle habits - but in some situations, the endocrinologist needs to introduce medication. Some tips that may help mitigate the problem are:

- Do not be fasting in the morning. Eating breakfast regularly is

- Break up well during the day;

- Have regular eating times (do not change eating times);

- Prefer low-glycemic foods (whole products) throughout the day and especially at night;

- Eat slowly and without distracting factors such as television, especially at night time;

- Avoid any factor that may influence nighttime sleep, such as

- Try to have regularity of sleep, avoiding shift work, and sleep at least 6 hours a night;

- Avoid having foods of any kind.

In summary, although still little recognized, night hunger syndrome is a problem that affects many people and should be identified as soon as possible, either by the patient and his relatives or by the endocrinologist. Small changes in lifestyle and sometimes medication can bring great benefits.


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