What possibly causes my sugar craving in the middle of the night?

[SunnyForever84]

Hello,

Off and on for many years, I get up in the middle of the night with an overwhelming craving for sugar or carbs. I am barely functioning when I do this. My eyes are barely open and all that goes through my mind is how I must find something sugary to eat. Sometimes I do it once, sometimes I do it several times a night. My dad does the same thing.  Sometimes I forget I do it until later in the day or the memory is very hazy.  As far as my sleeping pattern is concerned, I do not sleep very well. I go to bed very late, have very intense dreams and often nightmares, and I average about six hours of sleep a night. Sometimes I get night sweats as well.

I see a psychiatric nurse practitioner for bipolar 2 but she was puzzled as to why I do this at night. She only could recommend that I eat more protein before I go to bed.

As far as my nutrition goes during the day, it is up and down. Lately, I have been eating healthier since my mental health has been stable with the exception of a bad day from time to time. I get very discouraged when I have a good eating day and I feel like I ruin it with my night time sugar adventure.

Any insight on this would be very much appreciated. Thank you!

[SarahCummings]

First of all, I would honestly recommend you to try to improve your sleeping routine because it's essential for your well being. Do some research on the Internet and you'll find a lot of useful tips, try to acquire at least some of them and you'll see how life gets better. Of course, it's a process and you can't expect to see the results right away. When it comes to sugar craving at night, I'm familiar with several reasons (and there's probably a lot more). Anyway, it can be a sign of candida overgrowth since candida thrives for sugar. Also, you should check your blood sugar levels. Depression also might be the reason for your sugar craving at night as well as B vitamin deficiency.

[SunnyForever84]

Thank you so much for your insight. It has helped tremendously. I recently posted about digestive issues I've been having and it links to candida overgrowth symptoms to a tee. As far as sleep goes, I'll continue working on it. It's been a lifelong struggle but hopefully if I get some of these other issues in order, better sleeping patterns will ensue. Thanks again!

[SarahCummings]

You are very welcome. I'm glad it helped. Wish you all the best

[DenniL21]

Are you on any medications?  Possibly could be side effects from a number of medications.