Latest news with #hypersomnia
The Independent
13 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
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. Why you're struggling to stay awake during the day - and how to feel more alert
The Independent
17 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Why you're struggling to stay awake during the day - and how to feel more alert
For millions of people, fighting to stay awake at their desk, on the commute home, or even mid-conversation is a daily struggle. Now, scientists believe the reason why some people are far more prone to overwhelming drowsiness may be due to their diet and hormones. Researchers have identified seven metabolites, which are naturally occurring chemicals in the blood, that appear to influence a person's risk of Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). EDS, also known as hypersomnia, affects around one in four Britons, and is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. A new study, emerging from Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the US, suggested that diet and hormones may affect hypersomnia. The findings, published in Lancet eBioMedicine, used blood samples from more than 6,000 people who took part in a long-term health study, alongside questionnaires assessing how often participants fell asleep during the day. Seven metabolites were associated with EDS, with three additional metabolites found to vary by sex, the study found. These include tyramine, which is present in fermented and overripe foods. This was linked to increased drowsiness, particularly in men. Foods high in tyramine: Aged cheeses Cured and smoked meats Fermented foods Overripe fruits Pickled foods Red wine The researchers also found that sex steroid metabolites, such as progesterone, were associated with sleep-related processes, including melatonin production. On the other hand, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in Mediterranean-style diets, were linked to a lower risk of excessive sleepiness, according to the research. Foods high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna Shellfish Walnuts Flaxseeds Eggs Poultry Whole-grain breads and cereals Dr Tariq Faquih, the study's lead author, said: 'Our study suggests diet and genetics may play an important 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.' The researchers said the results point to potential treatment targets for EDS, suggesting dietary changes and new medications may be possible. According to the NHS, hypersomnia is different from simply feeling tired. People with the condition may regularly nap during the day, fall asleep without warning, or still sleep for long hours at night. It can sometimes be linked to conditions such as narcolepsy, sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, depression, or chronic fatigue syndrome. The NHS advises improving sleep habits by going to bed at the same time each night, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, creating a peaceful sleep environment and avoiding late-night working.
Times
18 hours ago
- Health
- Times
Scientists crack what causes ‘sleep attacks' during the day
Do you often feel drowsy during the daytime? Do you have an irresistible urge to nap, or find yourself nodding off despite getting enough sleep at night? You may be among one in five people who suffers from 'excessive daytime sleepiness', or EDS. Scientists believe they have discovered a way to test which lifestyle changes could combat the condition, such as adopting the Mediterranean diet and eating less fermented, aged and smoked foods, although genes could also play a factor. Previous studies have found 42 genes or genetic markers that may be linked with a raised risk of EDS, but researchers have now found that people who experience excessive sleepiness, known as hypersomnia, even after a full night's sleep, often have seven key molecules linked to their metabolisms circulating in their bloodstreams. The scientists found that foods containing the metabolite tyramine, particularly 'fermented and overripe' foods, such as some aged cheeses, smoked meats and alcoholic drinks, and food that is starting to spoil, are linked with a higher risk of EDS, particularly in men. The researchers also found that the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and fatty fish commonly eaten in Mediterranean-style diets appear to be linked with a lower risk of EDS, suggesting that dietary changes could help those affected. The NHS website explains that 'excessive daytime sleepiness is different from feeling tired all the time'. It said sufferers may 'regularly nap during the day, fall asleep during the day [and] still sleep for long hours at night'. One study with European participants, which was published in the journal EBioMedicine, estimated that just under one in five people experience sleepiness levels that are significantly above normal several days a week. Dr Tariq Faquih, of the sleep and circadian disorders division at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, the author of the study, said: 'The metabolites we've identified can certainly be measured with the appropriate tools. We anticipate they'll be most valuable following an initial assessment, ideally using sleep-lab testing or, at minimum, standardised questionnaires. Testing the metabolite levels will help determine which metabolites may require adjustment, for example through dietary interventions.' Epworth Sleepiness Scale before contacting their GP. When asked about the symptoms of EDS, he said: 'Some may feel constantly drowsy throughout the day, while others might experience sudden and intense sleepiness that leads to unexpected 'sleep attacks'. In other cases, people may unintentionally fall asleep during quiet, repetitive activities like watching TV or reading. It is not always as sudden but still happens without us meaning to go to sleep.' He added: 'Our study suggests diet and genetics may play an important 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.' To combat excessive daytime sleepiness, it could be beneficial to consume more food high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids such as: • Fatty fish • Nuts • Seeds • Vegetable oils And for people, particularly men, to eat less food high in tyramine, such as: • Fermented and pickled food • Over-ripe food • Aged cheese • Smoked meat
