Blood Molecules Hijack Energy—Scientists Stunned

Man rubbing eyes holding glasses near laptop

Seven hidden molecules in your blood may be quietly sabotaging your energy, and the world’s top medical researchers now know exactly which ones.

Story Snapshot

Seven blood metabolites linked to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) have been discovered.
One in three Americans faces higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity due to EDS.
Diet and hormones dramatically influence your sleepiness, suggesting prevention could be possible.
Large-scale research signals a new era for blood-based diagnostics and targeted therapies for EDS.

Scientists Uncover Biological Roots of Daytime Sleepiness

Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center recently identified seven key blood molecules associated with excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS. Their findings, published in Lancet eBioMedicine, analyzed more than 6,000 blood samples from diverse populations across the United States, United Kingdom, and Finland. This research marks a fundamental shift, moving away from blaming poor sleep habits or lifestyle alone and pointing to deep metabolic and hormonal signals as drivers of persistent tiredness.

Researchers observed that the presence and levels of these metabolites were strongly influenced by diet—particularly the balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids—and by hormone levels including sex steroids and progesterone. The study’s scale, examining 877 metabolites in total, allowed scientists to spot patterns that had eluded previous, smaller studies. The results suggest that the biological risk for EDS is not one-size-fits-all but instead tied to both what you eat and your unique hormonal makeup.

The Hispanic Community Health Study Ushers in New Insights

Launched in 2006, the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) provided the rich dataset that made these findings possible. Sponsored by the NIH, this cohort captured a wide variety of health information, making it ideal for exploring the metabolic landscape of sleepiness. Validation in international cohorts confirmed the findings, ensuring the results apply broadly and are not confined to one population or region.

Until now, EDS was often treated as a symptom to be managed through behavioral interventions or sleep hygiene education. Previous studies could only guess at the underlying causes. Now, with direct biological markers identified, clinicians may soon be able to use blood tests to diagnose EDS and stratify risk for the related health consequences—heart disease, diabetes, obesity—that plague millions.

Stakeholders and Strategic Collaboration

Key players in this breakthrough include Mass General Brigham, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the NIH. The research team, led by Dr. Tariq Faquih, worked across institutional boundaries and received oversight and support from major national programs. Their collaboration allowed for multi-cohort validation and rapid translation of insights into clinical discussions.

Hospitals and academic medical centers have a vested interest in improving sleep health, as EDS contributes to poor outcomes and increased healthcare costs. The NIH’s role in funding and guiding epidemiological research ensures that these discoveries are built on robust, representative data. Principal investigators and program officers now hold the keys to unlocking new diagnostic and therapeutic avenues for millions struggling with unexplained fatigue.

Media Spotlight and Expert Reactions

The publication of these findings in August 2025 sparked widespread attention. Lead author Faquih highlighted the interplay between diet, genetics, and sleepiness, emphasizing that prevention and early intervention could be possible if we understand the biological underpinnings. Sleep medicine specialists and public health agencies now have the opportunity to rethink their strategies, shifting from generic advice to personalized care plans rooted in hard science.

Expert commentary from Harvard and beyond suggests that the seven blood molecules not only provide a window into sleep health but also open doors for targeted treatments. There is cautious optimism, however, as translating lab findings into real-world therapies will require additional research and the development of affordable, accessible diagnostic tests.

Long-Term Implications: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Societal Impact

The short-term impact of these discoveries is a clearer understanding of EDS as a biological condition, not just a behavioral one. Blood-based diagnostic tests may be on the horizon, allowing for earlier detection and intervention. Over the long term, the ability to identify and treat EDS at the molecular level could reduce the burden of chronic diseases linked to sleepiness, improve workforce productivity, and enhance quality of life for millions.

Industries beyond medicine may also feel the ripple effects: the nutrition and wellness sectors, armed with new data, could tailor recommendations for diets that support alertness. Policy makers may consider new screening protocols, and sleep medicine could see an influx of innovation as companies race to develop products based on these metabolic markers.