Researchers from Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified seven blood molecules linked to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a condition affecting approximately one in three Americans. EDS is associated with an increased risk of serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. The study, published in Lancet eBioMedicine, suggests that both internal factors, such as hormone levels, and external ones, including diet, may contribute to EDS.
Lead author Tariq Faquih, PhD, emphasized the potential role of diet and genetics in the condition. The research involved analyzing 877 metabolites—naturally occurring molecules in the body—using blood samples from 6,000 participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Researchers also utilized a questionnaire to gauge instances of daytime drowsiness, corroborating their findings with data from other studies, including The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and studies conducted in the UK and Finland.
Among the findings, the researchers noted that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, prevalent in Mediterranean diets, correlated with a lower risk of EDS. Conversely, metabolites such as tyramine, present in fermented foods, were linked to increased daytime sleepiness, particularly among men. Additionally, sex steroid metabolites like progesterone were associated with sleep-related processes.
The study outlines potential treatment avenues, suggesting dietary modifications or medications could improve EDS management. However, the researchers noted limitations, such as challenges in interpreting metabolite values and the reliance on self-reported sleep data instead of controlled sleep lab assessments. Future research may include clinical trials to evaluate whether dietary changes can effectively reduce EDS. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health and the JLH Foundation.