Night eating syndrome prevalence and its association with sleep quality, eating patterns, and psychopathology in an Israeli community sample

Introduction: Night eating syndrome (NES) involves hyperphagia and nocturnal ingestion, causing significant distress and impairment. Despite its impact, NES is poorly understood and underdiagnosed both in clinical and community settings. Prevalence rates vary, highlighting the need for further research in community samples. Purpose: To assess NES prevalence in a community sample and its relationship with sleep disturbances, eating patterns, and psychopathology. Method: A total of 746 participants (ages 21–51), including 377 men (50.5%), were recruited through a large Israeli online platform. Participants completed self-report demographic data and questionnaires assessing NES, sleep disturbances, eating patterns, and psychopathology. Results: The prevalence of NES (night eating questionnaire/NEQ: score > 25, score > 21) was 8.8% and 18.2%, respectively. No significant differences in NES prevalence were found between genders or age groups in most of the variables. There were no significant differences between the NES and non-NES groups in terms of BMI, age, or gender. However, significant differences were found in sleep disturbances (PSQI total), depression, and anxiety. The NES group was significantly associated with higher levels of fat and carbohydrate consumption during the evening and night. Conclusion: The NES prevalence among study participants was relatively higher than among previous community samples worldwide, despite participants having a BMI within the normal range. The higher prevalence, along with the significant associations with lower sleep quality, higher levels of anxiety and depression, and increased fat and carbohydrate consumption, underscore the need for greater emphasis on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of NES in the community beyond cultural differences.