Night eating syndrome, education, progressive muscle relaxation therapy, and exercise

Night eating syndrome, or NES, is a combination of eating and sleep disorder where the circadian rhythm of eating is moved toward a more late time in the day in a way that daily intake of calories is minimized and the food intake of evening and nighttime is increased. NES is associated with eating and sleep disorders, overweight and obesity, depression, and anxiety. NES has been found to be triggered or be exacerbated by life event stress. NES affects up to 5.7% of individuals in the general population.

However, a new study shows that potential treatment of NES can be found in education, progressive muscle relaxation therapy, and exercise. The study was conducted in 44 individuals diagnosed with NES. It was conducted in a 3-weeks’ time where one group of participants engaged in educational sessions, another group engaged in educational sessions and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) therapy, and a third group engaged in educational sessions, PMR therapy and some exercise. Educational sessions included presentations and discussions about NES, healthy eating, sleep importance and hygiene. PMR therapy sessions included the practice of tensing, or tightening, one muscle group at a time followed by a relaxation phase with release of the tension. Last, exercise sessions included a prescription to walk at a moderate pace of exertion, beginning at 15 minutes per day, 5 days per week and increasing to 30 minutes per day at the end of week 1.

Results showed a reduction in NES tendencies, depression and perceived stress for all three groups. The authors of the study concluded that their findings support the role of education and relaxation in the behavioral treatment of NES.

Source:

Vander Wal JS, Maraldo TM, Vercellone AC, Gagne DA. (2015). Education, progressive muscle relaxation therapy, and exercise for the treatment of night eating syndrome. A pilot study. Appetite. 89:136–44.