Why am I hungry at night? How to resist the temptation of late night snacks
Sep 19, 2025
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There are many reasons why people are hungry at night. The most common cause is irregular eating habits. Skipping breakfast or lunch during the day, or simply skipping dinner, the body sends a strong hunger signal late at night to fill the energy it lacks. In addition, when the fatigue and stress of the day accumulate, ghrelin, an appetite hormone, is released, making you crave more late-night snacks. It may not just be hunger, it may be a psychological reaction to relieve stress.
1. Understanding why I'm hungry at night
It is not just hungry, but it is also confused with hunger as the brain is awakened by watching a smartphone or TV. Especially when exposed to strong light until late, the secretion of sleep hormones is suppressed, and the brain is mistaken for more energy. If this process is repeated, being hungry at night becomes a habit. Therefore, understanding the cause is the first step in the resolution.
2. maintaining a regular diet
The best way to prevent late-night snacks is to eat regularly during the day. Eat three meals at a certain time, and if you choose a menu rich in protein and dietary fiber for dinner, you will feel full for a long time. It is digested well, such as multigrain rice, vegetables, chicken breasts, and fish, but eating strong food in the evening can greatly reduce chestnut hunger.
3. Distinguish hunger by water intake
Hunger at night is often thirst, not real hunger. In this case, you should drink water or unsweetened herbal tea to quench your thirst first. Herb tea is caffeine-free, so it helps to sleep well and reduces the thought of late-night snacks by organizing the mouth neatly. Simply drinking a glass of warm water may relieve hunger.
4. Going for a light stretch or a walk
It is also good to move your body a little when you have a desire for late-night snacks. Simple stretching or short walks stabilize the brain and reduce hunger signals. In particular, yoga movements or breathing exercises that can be done at home can relieve tension in the body and calm the mind, so that the thoughts of late-night snacks can be turned in a different direction.
5. Replacing with Healthy Snacks
If you can't stand it, it's wise to replace it with healthy snacks. Small amounts of nuts, hard-boiled eggs, and unsweetened yogurt are filling and low in calories. Conversely, snacks, ramen, and fried foods can give instant gratification, but it is better to avoid them because they cause late digestion and weight gain. Preparing alternative snacks can prevent impulsive late-night snacks.
6. Creating a Pre-Sleep Routine
If you feel hungry every night, changing your lifestyle routine can also help. Creating comfortable habits such as reading, a warm shower, and meditation can distract your thoughts about late-night snacks. In particular, reducing the use of electronic devices in bedrooms prevents unnecessary awakening and reduces the desire for late-night snacks. A routine that gives the body a sleep-ready signal is key to making a healthy night.
The reason why I'm hungry every night is not just because my stomach is empty, but because a number of factors such as stress, irregular meals, and brain delusions work. However, if you know the cause and change your habits a little, you can overcome the temptation of late-night snacks. Regular meals, plenty of fluids, light activities and health snacks are all practicable methods.
Resisting late-night snacks is not just for dieting, but is an essential process to keep a good night's sleep and healthy lifestyle rhythm. Let's start a small practice today. The moment you lie down on the bed, you will feel comfortable satiety and stability, not hunger. In the end, it is important to remember that healthy night habits build up and make a better tomorrow.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
