Science reveals 7 molecules in your blood that explain why you’re always tired

Sleepiness often accompanies you during the day as an unwanted companion. Short or poor quality sleep, stress or lack of exercise can all cause it. All of these can cause it. But scientists have recently discovered that there are seven molecules in the blood that explain sleepiness.

Chronic fatigue across the population

Today, more and more people are experiencing fatigue. However, it is often not fatigue associated with lack of sleep or physical exhaustion; instead, it sticks with you despite copious rest. Scientists have therefore been conducting research in recent years to help them uncover how fatigue and associated sleepiness works. The problem isn’t just reduced energy and ability to function, in fact, excessive sleepiness may be linked to an increased risk of serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

The link between drowsiness and molecules in the blood

One study was conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. They were able to identify seven molecules in the blood, known as metabolites, that are associated with excessive daytime sleepiness. This condition can be influenced by internal body processes, particularly the levels of certain hormones, as well as external factors such as diet.

“Our study suggests that diet and genetics may play an important role in excessive daytime sleepiness. As we learn what is happening biologically, we are beginning to understand how and why excessive daytime sleepiness arises, what the first signs are that someone might be suffering from it, and what we can do to help patients,” said Tariq Faquih, lead author of the study.

Results of the study

Metabolites occur naturally in the body. Researchers collected data on 877 types of metabolites. Blood samples from 6,000 study participants were used to gain insights, and data was also recorded on the situations in which they fell asleep during the day.

The research findings revealed that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are commonly found in foods, are associated with a lower risk of excessive daytime sleepiness. Another metabolite, such as tyramine, is then found in fermented and overripe foods. In this case, an association with increased sleepiness has been demonstrated. One of the metabolites was also progesterone, which is involved in substances that affect how well we sleep. In particular, it acts on the production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.

Conclusion

In future studies, researchers would like to look at potential targets for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness. The first step would undoubtedly be to investigate dietary change followed by the use of medication. “Conducting a clinical trial would be a great next step and could help us understand whether omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids derived from the diet could help reduce the risk of excessive daytime sleepiness,” Faquih added.