Sleepy During the Day? This Could Explain It
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A Real Drag: Why is it that we feel sleepy during the daytime? Even after a good night’s rest, the daylight hours can sometimes drag. For most of us, that’s just a bad day. For others, it’s a condition called excessive daytime sleepiness. In good news for them — and maybe all of us — new research has uncovered molecules in our blood associated with the disorder.
The Study: Scientists analyzed blood samples from 6,000 people and, out of 877 blood metabolites, found seven directly linked to EDS, plus an additional four in men.
The research suggests diet and hormones play a big role in the disorder. Standouts: omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids were associated with lower risk of chronic sleepiness, while an amino acid common in aged and fermented foods was linked with increased EDS in men.
The Takeaway: Both genetics and diet may influence EDC. It’s another data point suggesting that what we eat shapes how we feel and function throughout the day.
Keep in Mind: There’s still much more research to do in order to come to develop either drugs or dietary changes.
