First described by Stunkard et
al. in 1955 [40], various diagnostic criteria for night eating
syndrome (NES) have been published in recent years. NES
is currently included in the “Other Specified Feeding or
Eating Disorder” category of the DSM-5. It is characterized
by an abnormally increased food intake in the evening and
nighttime, manifested by consumption of at least 25% of
intake after the evening meal, and/or nocturnal awakenings
with ingestions at least twice per week [41]. Indeed, sleep
disorders, which are common in schizophrenia [42], affect
the hormonal regulation of food intake and are associated
with metabolic disorders, obesity, and cardiovascular disease
[43]. NES affects 1.5% of the general population, and between
8.9 and 27% of obese individuals [44].