People who suffer from night eating syndrome generally:
* Skip breakfast, and go several hours after waking before their first meal.
* Consume at least half their calories after dinner.
o Late-night binges almost always consist of consuming carbohydrates. However, this eating is typically spread over several hours, which is not consistent with a typical eating binge as evidenced by other eating disorders. Episodes of sleep-eating can be repeated throughout the night, with many separate visits to the fridge or cupboard.
* Suffer from depression or anxiety, often in connection with their eating habits.
o These night eating episodes typically bring guilt rather than hedonistic enjoyment.
* Have trouble sleeping in general; see insomnia.
o Are more likely than the general public to sleepwalk.
To be considered a bona fide disorder, this pattern should continue for two months or more.