Sleepy? It might be your food (or your hormones)

 

Hormones can affect a lot of things. In this case, they might be affecting one's ability to stay awake during the daytime hours.  (Of course, not getting enough sleep at night might have something to do with that too.)

Diet and Hormone Levels Linked to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Analysis of blood metabolites indicates that the risk of excessive daytime sleepiness is influenced by diet and hormones.

"They [the researchers, of course] 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 lower risk of EDS [Excessive Daytime Sleepiness]. Other metabolites, such as tyramine, which is found in fermented and overripe foods, were associated with increased daytime sleepiness, particularly in men.

Researchers note that the results suggest potential treatment targets for EDS and that dietary changes or medications may lead to better treatment. They also note some limitations to the study, including difficulty in interpreting exact values of metabolites and using a sleep questionnaire instead of bringing participants into a sleep lab for tests."

Reference: Faquih T, Potts KS, Nagarajan P, et al. Steroid hormone biosynthesis and dietary related metabolites associated with excessive daytime sleepiness. eBioMedicine. 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105881

And now it's time for bed.