Seven Blood Molecules Linked to Daytime Sleepiness, Study Finds

Researchers from Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified seven blood metabolites associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a condition affecting nearly one-third of Americans. EDS is linked to increased risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

The study, published in Lancet eBioMedicine, analyzed 877 metabolites using blood samples from over 6,000 participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos and validated results in U.S., U.K., and Finnish cohorts. Findings showed that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids — key components of Mediterranean-style diets — were tied to lower EDS risk. In contrast, metabolites such as tyramine, commonly found in fermented foods, were linked to greater sleepiness, particularly in men. Hormonal metabolites like progesterone were also connected to sleep regulation.

Researchers suggest these findings could guide dietary interventions and future clinical trials to develop new treatments for reducing daytime drowsiness.

12-09-2025