I have tried everything to help night eating syndrome. i am on lexapro, i eat a protein breakfast. i eat healthy meals during the day. i have gained 23 lbs, over the last year. i have trouble sleeping and i am starving at midnight. i eat at least 1500 hun

This : This might have to do with your genetic makeup and specifically, with small variations called single nucleotide polymorphisms or snps (pronounced "snips") in the gene called clock (an acronym that stands for "circadian locomotor output cycles kaput"). Both men and women carry this gene, which drives our biological clocks. It is responsible for several body rhythms, such as the wake-sleep cycle. Small variations in this gene could cause a so-called "eveningness" (being active late at night) phenomenon. Clock is also involved in weight regulation. A recent study by garaulet et al. (2010) has identified a snp in the clock gene that is responsible for inability to lose weight by a low calorie diet found in approximately 1 out of 3 people. Participants of the study who happened to be carriers of a g allele (ag and gg) in a specific location of this gene had much more difficulty trying to lose weight than non-carriers (aa). If a person happens to be a carrier of the g allele, it is very likely that dieting alone will not be sufficient to achieve a desired weight. If a person is actively trying to lose weight by dieting this could cause quite a bit of frustration and strong negative emotions. However, the reality is that for a person who has a particular genetic makeup (e.g. Is a carrier of the g allele), a comprehensive approach involving additional measures such as exercise program or even surgery is likely to be more effective. We do not know yet how to alter or modify our genes. However, tests to determine what snps a person carries are available. Despite our inability to modify our genes, knowledge of one's genetic makeup has many advantages. Most importantly, it allows us to design and explore rational strategies that could modify the impact of the gene rather than feeling guilty for something that we have no control of.

See a sleep MD: This is a significant sleep disorder and you should seek consultation with a board certified sleep specialist.