Published Paper Details:

ABSTRACT Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder characterized by consuming food after dinner and during nighttime awakenings. Initially identified by Wolff, Stunkard, and Grace in patients undergoing weight loss treatment, NES is marked by consuming 25% or more of daily calories at night--a time when those without obesity typically do not eat. NES diagnosis requires at least three of the following symptoms: a strong desire to eat between dinner and bedtime, lack of appetite in the morning or at night, difficulty falling or staying asleep, a depressed mood, worsening mood in the evening, and the belief that one cannot fall asleep without eating.This study aimed to assess the association of NES with sleep quality, dietary habits, and circadian rhythm among adults aged 18-25 years. Data was collected using snowball sampling. Demographic information, anthropometric measurements, and validated tools including the Night Eating Diagnostic Questionnaire (NEDQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI), Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), and Semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire were used.A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mumbai with 97 male and 103 female participants aged 18-25 years. The majority (53%) of participants were categorized as not having NES (Non-NE), while 45.5% had a moderate tendency to eat at night (N). Only a small percentage (1.5%) were classified as having NES. Significant associations were found between PSQI and NEQ (p=0.036), as well as between MEQ and NEQ (p=0.030).The semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire measured the frequency of consumption of various foods, and the mean amount was calculated. No statistical significance was observed in the frequency of food consumption among different genders. Participants' diets included most food groups, and they maintained a normal meal schedule.This study revealed important connections between NES, sleep quality, and individuals' preferred sleep-wake patterns (chronotype) among young adults and their association with dietary intake. Despite the relatively low prevalence of NES, its significant relationship with sleep quality, chronotype, and dietary intake underscores the need to consider these factors when addressing and managing night eating behaviors. Understanding these associations can help develop targeted interventions for improving sleep and dietary habits in young adults prone to NES.