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Warning-sign checks

Night eating: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help if someone cannot be woken, has a seizure, faints, has severe confusion, chokes, or is seriously injured.

    If low blood sugar is suspected and the person cannot safely swallow, do not give food or drink by mouth.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice if nighttime eating is accompanied by shaking, sweating, a racing heartbeat, confusion, or an unusually low glucose reading, especially if you take diabetes medicine.

    Follow your established low-blood-sugar plan while arranging help.

    Unaware cooking, leaving appliances on, or eating toxic or inedible substances also needs prompt medical assessment because it creates an immediate safety risk.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if night eating happens about weekly for several weeks, causes distress, interrupts sleep, or feels difficult to control.

    Also arrange an appointment if you have memory gaps, unexplained weight change, frequent binge-like episodes, or concerns about your relationship with food.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Night eating. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.