In the Soft Glow of the Refrigerator Light...

Night eating syndrome interrupts sleep. Photo © Carrie Cizauskas/flickr.com

Many of us hold the midnight snack in high regard. For certain people, however, sleep won't come without eating at night. This phenomenon is called night eating syndrome.

Like binge-eating disorder (discussed below), night eating syndrome is not an official diagnosis. But its effects are real, leaving those who deal with it in a cycle that has addiction-like characteristics.

• The Cycle of Night Eating Syndrome
• Other Lesser-Known Disorders in Eating