Night Eating Syndrome Treatment in Fresno, California

Night eating syndrome (NES) is a serious, often misunderstood condition that disrupts both eating and sleeping patterns. It’s more than the occasional late-night snack—it involves recurrent eating episodes after the evening meal or during the night, often paired with disrupted sleep patterns, emotional distress, and a higher risk of other health conditions. At Oasis Eating Disorders Recovery in Fresno, California, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals living with NES, helping restore balanced eating habits, healthy sleep-wake cycles, and overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

Oasis Eating Disorders Recovery in Fresno, California provides specialized treatment for night eating syndrome (NES), a condition that disrupts both eating and sleeping patterns.
Evidence-based therapies offered include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, family-based therapy (FBT), and nutrition counseling, with medical and psychiatric support when needed.
What is night eating syndrome treatment? It combines psychotherapy, nutrition planning, and sleep regulation strategies to reduce late-night eating episodes and restore healthy routines.
Licensed healthcare providers may integrate psychiatric care and medication management, including SSRIs or melatonin, to address co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or insomnia.
The program serves adolescents and adults with NES, binge eating disorder, bulimia, or related conditions, offering compassionate, outpatient-based recovery options in Fresno.

Recovery is possible. And so are you

Understanding Night Eating Syndrome

Night eating syndrome is a sleep-related eating disorder first described by Stunkard and later studied extensively by O’Reardon and Lundgren. Research published in journals like International Journal of Eating Disorders shows that the prevalence of NES in the general population is significant, and it is even higher among individuals with obesity, binge eating disorder, or bulimia nervosa.

Key characteristics include:

Consuming more than 25% of daily calories after dinner (evening hyperphagia)
Frequent nocturnal eating episodes, often with sleep disturbances
Skipping breakfast and reduced food intake earlier in the day
Cravings for a large amount of food high in sugar or carbohydrates late at night
Feelings of guilt, frustration, or significant distress about eating behaviors

NES is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders under Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders and is recognized as a form of disordered eating with both behavioral and biological components.

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Health Impacts of NES

Left untreated, NES can contribute to:

Weight gain and challenges with weight loss
Higher risk of obesity and related health conditions like diabetes and hypertension
Mood instability, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders
Poor quality of life due to disrupted sleep onset and chronic fatigue
Potential comorbidities such as substance use disorder or parasomnia conditions like sleepwalking

These issues are often made worse when NES co-occurs with binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, or bulimia nervosa, which is why an integrated approach to eating disorder treatment is essential.

You’re already doing better than you think

Causes and Contributing Factors

The exact causes of NES are complex. Current research suggests a combination of:

Disruptions in the circadian rhythm and sleep-wake cycle
Imbalances in hormones that regulate hunger and satiety
Emotional triggers and stress that lead to overeating or snacking late at night
Side effects from certain antidepressants or medications
History of trauma or chronic mental health conditions

Some individuals may also experience SRED (sleep-related eating disorder), where nighttime eating occurs without full awareness, often during sleepwalking episodes.

You don't have to earn rest or care

Evidence-Based Treatment Options at Oasis

At Oasis Eating Disorders Recovery, the treatment of night eating syndrome is tailored to each client’s needs, addressing the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of the disorder. Our healthcare providers use a blend of therapeutic interventions and, when needed, medical support such as psychiatry and medication management.

Psychotherapy

Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy offers a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, thought patterns, and life history. It’s a cornerstone for addressing disordered eating and the underlying triggers of NES.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatments for NES. It helps clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that reinforce unhealthy eating behaviors, snacking habits, and irregular food intake.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT focuses on building emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—skills that are critical for reducing nocturnal eating and evening cravings.

Trauma Therapy

Past trauma can fuel nighttime eating patterns. Our trauma-focused approach allows clients to process these experiences safely, reducing the emotional drivers of overeating.

Family-Based Therapy (FBT)

For adolescents and young adults, family support is essential. FBT involves loved ones in the recovery process, improving accountability and promoting healthy eating habits.

Nutrition Education

Registered dietitians work with clients to create balanced daily food intake plans, reducing evening hyperphagia and supporting sustainable weight loss goals when appropriate.

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)

For those with anxiety-driven eating patterns, ERP helps reduce avoidance behaviors and fears related to certain foods or eating episodes.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

When traditional psychotherapy isn’t enough, EMDR can help address trauma that contributes to nighttime eating or disordered eating patterns.

Admissions Process

We know that asking for help takes courage. Getting in touch is the first step. We’re here for you, no matter what. Once submitted, our admissions team will be in touch within 24 hours.

Or call us directly to get started: (559) 245-6203

Comprehensive Treatment and Therapy

We create a comprehensive treatment plan to ensure continued healing and support with group therapy, nutrition, body image groups, individual/family sessions.

You can accept rest and compassion freely

Medical and Psychiatric Support

In some cases, psychiatry and medication may be integrated into care:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help regulate mood and reduce NES symptoms.
Melatonin may be prescribed to improve sleep onset and restore healthy sleep patterns.
Antidepressants are considered when depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders are present.

All medications are prescribed and monitored by licensed healthcare providers to ensure safety and minimize side effects.

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Interventions for Lasting Recovery

Our NES program combines therapy, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to create a sustainable path forward. Interventions may include:

Establishing consistent eating patterns throughout the day to avoid late-night hunger
Practicing progressive muscle relaxation to reduce tension before bedtime
Improving sleep hygiene to minimize awakenings and cravings
Setting up an environment that supports healthy choices and limits triggers for nighttime eating
Teaching problem-solving skills to handle emotional stress without turning to food

Progress counts, give yourself grace

Who We Treat

We welcome clients from all backgrounds, including:

Obese patients struggling with NES and related health conditions
Those with bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, or anorexia nervosa
Individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders or substance use disorder
Adults and adolescents who meet the diagnostic criteria for NES or other sleep-related eating disorders

You don’t need to achieve to deserve rest or care

Why Choose Oasis Eating Disorders Recovery

We understand that NES affects far more than just eating—it impacts sleep, energy, emotional health, and self-confidence. Our team offers:

A warm, nonjudgmental environment
Evidence-based therapies tailored to your needs
Collaboration between therapists, dietitians, and healthcare providers
Flexible outpatient options for ongoing support
Guidance for families and loved ones

You’re doing well, let yourself recharge

Take the First Step

If you or someone you love is struggling with night eating syndrome, help is available. The team at Oasis Eating Disorders Recovery is here to support you with compassionate care, effective treatment options, and a commitment to long-term recovery.

Contact us today to schedule an assessment and begin your journey toward healthier eating habits, improved sleep patterns, and restored quality of life.