New Blood Links Revealed Between Diet and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness.
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), a condition affecting approximately one-third of Americans, has traditionally been linked to insufficient sleep, disorders like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or medication side effects. However, recent research suggests that our eating habits and body chemistry could play a much more significant role than previously thought.
A groundbreaking study, published in Lancet eBioMedicine and led by scientists from Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has identified specific molecules in the blood, known as metabolites, that correlate directly with EDS. These metabolites, influenced by both diet and hormones, reveal a complex interplay between lifestyle, biology, and daytime alertness. To ensure consistency, the findings were replicated in other large studies in the U.S., U.K., and Finland, reinforcing their validity.
The research team analyzed nearly 900 metabolites from blood samples of almost 6,000 participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos, complementing this information with questionnaires measuring how often people fall asleep during the day. They identified seven metabolites linked to EDS, plus three additional ones that differed by sex. The most notable results include:
Lower risk of EDS: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, nutrients abundant in Mediterranean-style diets, were associated with a reduced risk of daytime sleepiness. Additionally, lipids such as linoleic acid and sphingomyelins showed a negative association with EDS.
Higher risk of EDS: Certain compounds like tyramine, found in fermented or overripe foods, correlated with higher rates of EDS, especially in men.
Hormonal influence: Links were also observed between sex hormones like progesterone and sleep-related processes such as melatonin production, underlining the role of hormones in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Steroid hormone biosynthesis was a central process in the biological pathways connected with EDS.
These discoveries suggest that diet and genetics may be important factors in EDS. Tariq Faquih, lead author of the study, emphasizes that understanding these biological mechanisms brings us closer to identifying the early signs of EDS and developing new ways to help patients.
EDS is more than just an annoyance; it has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Current treatment strategies typically focus on improving sleep hygiene, treating sleep apnea with CPAP machines, or adjusting medications. However, this new research opens the door to alternative intervention strategies, such as dietary changes or medications targeting specific metabolites.
Although the study has some limitations, such as the difficulty in interpreting the exact values of metabolites and the use of questionnaires instead of sleep lab testing, researchers plan future clinical trials to evaluate whether dietary adjustments or supplement use can reduce symptoms.
In summary, the research highlights that sleepiness may not depend solely on the amount of time we spend in bed, but also on what is happening inside our bodies, influenced by a variety of lifestyle choices.
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