Seven Blood Metabolites & Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Metabolites Linked to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Identified in New Study
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Researchers at Mass General Brigham have pinpointed seven molecules in the blood associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), offering potential insights into both dietary and hormonal influences on this common condition.
Understanding Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) affects approximately one in three Americans, characterized by overwhelming drowsiness despite adequate nighttime sleep. This condition isn’t merely a matter of feeling tired; it’s associated with an increased risk of notable health problems, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes according to the National Heart,Lung,and Blood Institute.
A new study, led by investigators from Mass General Brigham and beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, has identified several metabolites – naturally occurring molecules in the body influenced by diet and hormones – that are linked to EDS. The findings, published in Lancet eBioMedicine on August 20, 2025, suggest that both internal physiological processes and external factors like diet play a role in the development of EDS.
Key Findings: Metabolites and EDS
Researchers analyzed data on 877 metabolites from blood samples collected from approximately 6,000 participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. They corroborated these findings using data from The Multi-Ethnic study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and studies conducted in the UK and Finland,strengthening the reliability of the results.
The study identified seven metabolites consistently associated with EDS. Furthermore, three additional metabolites showed variations based on sex. Specifically, the research highlighted the following:
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Higher levels of these fatty acids, commonly found in Mediterranean-like diets, were associated with a lower risk of EDS.
- Tyramine: This metabolite,present in fermented and overripe foods,was linked to increased daytime sleepiness,notably in men.
- Sex Steroid Metabolites (Progesterone): These metabolites were associated with sleep-related processes, including the production of melatonin.
| Metabolite | Association with EDS | Dietary Source/Function |
|---|---|---|
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Lower Risk | Fatty fish, flaxseeds, walnuts |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | Lower Risk | Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds |
| Tyramine | Higher Risk (especially in men) | Fermented foods, aged cheeses, overripe fruits |
| progesterone Metabolites | Related to sleep regulation | Hormone produced by the body |
Implications for Treatment and Future Research
The researchers suggest these findings could pave the way for new treatment strategies for EDS. Dietary modifications or targeted medications aimed at influencing these metabolite levels may offer potential therapeutic benefits. Though, they acknowledge limitations, including the challenges of precisely quantifying metabolite levels and the use of a questionnaire-based assessment of sleepiness rather than polysomnography (sleep lab testing).
Future research directions include conducting clinical trials to assess whether dietary changes or supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can reduce daytime sleepiness. The authors also plan to further investigate several unidentified metabolites that showed potential associations with EDS.
“Our study suggests diet and genetics may play an vital role in EDS. As we learn what’s happening biologically, we are beginning to understand how and why EDS occurs, the early signs that someone might have it, and what we can do to help patients.”
Tariq Faquih, PhD, lead author, postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital
“Conducting a clinical trial would be a big next step and could help us understand if omega-3s and omega-6s obtained from diet could help lower risk of EDS,” said Faquih.