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If you thought your constant yawning was just because of late nights or endless scrolling, think again. Science is pointing a finger at your plate. Yes, your beloved cheese platter or that sneaky salami sandwich might be sabotaging your energy levels. The culprit is tyramine, a molecule found in aged cheeses, cured meats, pickled delicacies, and even overripe bananas. It influences blood pressure and neurotransmitters, and in sensitive people, it could be the reason behind excessive daytime sleepiness.
Excessive daytime sleepiness, or EDS, is more than the predictable slump after lunch. It is an all day haze that lingers even after what feels like a decent night’s rest. Doctors warn that it can affect productivity, mental sharpness, and even hint at serious health conditions like sleep apnea, diabetes, or cardiovascular problems. And while lifestyle and genetics are big players, diet has quietly entered the suspect list.
A study from Mass General Brigham reveals that tyramine loaded foods may tip the scales toward drowsiness. Aged cheeses like cheddar and parmesan, processed meats like bacon and salami, yeast spreads such as Marmite, pickled snacks, and dried or overripe fruits are the top offenders. They might taste heavenly, but they could leave you groggy and sluggish.
The good news is that small changes may have a big impact. Swapping processed meats for lean proteins, trading overripe fruits for fresher ones, and choosing vegetables and omega rich foods could steady your energy. Even sticking to regular meal times may help avoid those afternoon crashes.
But diet is only part of the story. Experts caution that chronic fatigue should not be dismissed. If you find yourself battling sleepiness every single day, it could be a red flag for something deeper. The takeaway is clear: what you eat matters as much as how you sleep, and paying attention now could save you more than just a yawn later.
**This news was published on Times of India on 22nd August, 2025.
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