Mass General Brigham researchers identified seven molecules in the blood linked to excessive daytime sleepiness, including factors related to diet and hormones.
Scientists discovered seven molecules in the blood linked to excessive daytime sleepiness, a condition that affects one in three Americans and raises the risk of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
The study highlights the role of both diet and hormones, finding that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may protect against drowsiness, while compounds like tyramine may worsen it.
Approximately one in three Americans reports experiencing overwhelming drowsiness during the day — a condition known as excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). EDS is linked to an increased risk of severe conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.
A new study led by investigators from Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Centre identifies several molecules in the blood, known as metabolites, that are linked to EDS.
Findings suggest that both internal body processes, such as hormone levels, and external factors, such as diet, may influence the risk of the condition. Results are published in The Lancet eBioMedicine.
“Our study suggests diet and genetics may play an important role in EDS,” said lead author Tariq Faquih, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.
“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.”
Researchers collected data on 877 metabolites, naturally occurring molecules in the body that are influenced by diet and hormones. These metabolites play a crucial role in various bodily functions, and their levels can be indicative of certain health conditions.
The team used blood samples from 6,000 participants in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.
The team also used data from a comprehensive questionnaire that assesses how often a person dozes off during the day in various scenarios, such as while reading, watching TV, or sitting quietly after a meal.
The team replicated the findings in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) study, a large-scale study focusing on the early detection and prevention of heart disease, and studies in the UK and Finland, which provided additional data from different populations, thereby strengthening the study’s findings.
They identified seven metabolites associated with EDS. An additional three metabolites were identified that varied by sex.
The team found that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are commonly found in foods that make up Mediterranean-like diets, were associated with a lower risk of EDS.
Other metabolites, such as tyramine, which is found in fermented and overripe foods, were associated with increased daytime sleepiness, particularly in men.
Sex steroid metabolites, such as progesterone, were associated with sleep-related processes such as melatonin production.
While the results of this study are promising, it’s important to note some limitations. Interpreting exact values of metabolites can be challenging, and using a sleep questionnaire instead of conducting tests in a sleep lab may not provide the most accurate data. However, these limitations are valuable insights that will guide future research in this field.
Looking ahead, the team is eager to conduct a clinical trial to investigate if dietary changes or supplements can effectively reduce daytime sleepiness. This promising avenue of research could significantly advance our understanding and treatment of EDS.
Additionally, the authors identified some unknown metabolites that they plan to explore further.
“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 the risk of EDS,” said Faquih.
Authorship: This groundbreaking study was a collaborative effort, with contributions from a team of dedicated researchers at MGB, including Kaitlin S. Potts, Pavithra Nagarajan, Hanna M. Ollila, Tianyi Huang, Clary B. Clish, Susan Redline, Tamar Sofer, and Heming Wang. Their collective expertise and commitment to advancing sleep health science were instrumental in the success of this study.
Disclosures: Redline discloses consulting relationships with Eli Lilly Inc., Jazz Pharma, and Apnimed Inc.
Additionally, Redline serves as an unpaid board member for the Alliance for Sleep Apnoea Partners and has received loaned equipment for a multi-site study: oxygen concentrators from Philips Respironics and polysomnography equipment from Nox Medical.
Funding: This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health (R01HL153814, R01HL161012 and 7R01HL161012) and the JLH Foundation.
