Nighttime snacking can quickly get out of hand, derailing any weight loss goals. But why is late-night snacking so irresistible? It turns out itâ??s not just a matter of boredom or weakened motivation. Your body might actually be pushing you towards the kitchen at off-hours. A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that participants who felt stressed saw their levels of a Hunger hormone rise in the evening.