I haven't been able to sleep at night for a long time, and I keep finding myself in the fridge. I'm literally making chocolate, chips, and sometimes rice! But in the mornings, I both regret it and feel guilty. Do you think this is stress or just a lack of control? If anyone has tried this, how did you stop?
I also had those times just like that. My stomach would be upset in the mornings because of late-night meals, and I gradually gained weight without realizing it. It was due to stress for me. I went to a psychologist, and he said that eating actually happens to suppress anxiety. Also, it really decreases when you sleep lightly feeling a bit full. For example, I used to eat yogurt or walnuts before bed.
Just do this directly: Cut carbs during the day, it reduces nighttime hunger cravings. But I think you should consult a dietitian. Sometimes this situation can also be hormonal, like triggering insulin resistance and such. Go get a test done, the rest will be much easier.
I mean, to be blunt, I think this is completely a control issue. Sure, there can be stress in life, but when you say you constantly find yourself in the fridge, it sounds a bit like a lack of discipline. If you're regretting it in the morning, then you probably know at night that "this isn't good." Make a decision beforehand, lock the fridge or something.
This is referred to as "night eating syndrome"; its name appears in the literature because of that. It's a psychological and biological problem occurring simultaneously. The brain doesn't feel hunger, it rather develops a habit. So, there can also be influences beyond personal will. It usually occurs due to low serotonin levels, so seeing a psychiatrist is the best course of action.
I've actually noticed this for a long time. Let me add this: I generally eat normally during the day, but it usually starts after dinner. It feels like I move on to other foods with guilt after chocolate 🥲
Buddy, this feels just like the societal pressure that says 'if you're overweight, you're guilty.' Go back to the part where you stop eating at night and don't regret it in the morning. This could be a physical need for you or it could be systematic pressure. Don't judge yourself so harshly; it's important to first understand why you feel this way.
