Why you’re struggling to stay awake during the day - and how to feel more alert
Researchers discover why some people struggle to stay awake
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), also known as hypersomnia, affects around one in four people in the UK.
- New research suggests that diet and hormones may play a significant role in influencing a person's risk of developing EDS.
- A study identified seven blood metabolites linked to EDS, with tyramine, found in fermented and overripe foods, specifically associated with increased drowsiness, particularly in men.
- Conversely, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in Mediterranean-style diets, were linked to a lower risk of excessive sleepiness.
- These findings point to potential treatment targets for EDS, including dietary changes and new medications, and distinguish the condition from simple tiredness, noting its links to other health issues such as a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.