Learning how to stop night eating disorders can be challenging. For years, I searched for solutions to control the urges that I experienced after going to be for the night. It was almost as if I was eating in my sleep, not realizing what I was doing until I would wake up surrounded by candy wrappers or empty bowls. My night eating disorder was getting out of control, and my weight was starting to show it.

I started researching, trying to figure out what was causing this condition. Was it stress? Some other emotional trigger? For the life of me, I could not figure it out. I tried several stop gap measures to try to control it. Everything from locking up the food (I would manage to unlock the cupboard in my sleep), to not stocking the foods that I was binging on (I just ate whatever was available), to even trying hypnosis! Nothing was working, and I was getting desperate for help to stop night eating.

Anyone who suffers from night eating disorders clearly understands what I was going through. Not only was it embarrassing, it was starting to get more and more dangerous. Millions of people go through the same routine each night, binging on foods when they least expect it, throwing them off their diet plans or gaining pounds and not understanding the root cause.

Finally, after researching everything from chemical imbalances to the temperate in the house, I found a resource that has permanently changed my life. After years, I was able to finally stop night eating. Here is the catch, I had to work at making the changes that were recommended to me to cure my eating. It was not easy, but I was determined to make a change and get back on track. With some hard work, determination, and the advice from expert John Davenport and his Emotional Eating Solution program, I was able to stop night eating right in its tracks.

Typically individuals who have an eating disorder have low self-esteem. He or she does not like to see a mirror reflection of them; in fact, he or she may avoid looking in mirrors it reminds them of what they are running from. If someone is anorexic or obese they are on opposite ends of the spectrum, however, they both see themselves in a negative light.

An overweight person is able to rationalize the excess weight as not being bad yet. He or she tells themselves that tomorrow they will start the next diet, or when the scale reaches the next 10 pounds then he or she will stop this behavior. An anorexic is very thin they have bones protruding, not a single ounce of fat on their body and they see themselves as fat.

How can other’s see them as he or she is, however, the individual sees through there own distorted eyes? This perception of oneself didn’t occur over the last week or so, this is years of using and abusing our bodies and emotionally damaging our-selves. The inner voice that continually tells us; he or she is fat, not worthy, and will never be successful just to name a few. As long as he or she continues to listen to the old tapes the cycle of eating disorders lives. So the question is how do I get help?

If after reading this article you are committed to getting help then you are ready to take the next step in the process to wellness which is, to call and get an eating disorder assessment and see if you meet criteria to be accepted into an inpatient eating disorder treatment program. Treatment programs allow you the opportunity to learn how to handle everyday life without using and abusing food. Eating disorders are a disease of isolation you are not alone many others are seeking help just as you are.

Joanna works for the Women’s Behavioral Program. She has overcome adversities and shares her hope with anyone she comes in contact with. Joanna is a known published author in the Bariatric and Weight Loss Community, she has spent the last 13 years helping to inspire and motivate people on the value of the body, mind and spirit connection