Researchers identify foods that may be making people feel constantly fatigued—this is not good for cheese lovers.

Could Your Favorite Foods Be Making You Tired?

After a long day at work, it’s completely natural to crave the comfort of your bed. However, recent findings from scientists suggest that five beloved foods might actually be contributing to increased feelings of fatigue.

Researchers in the U.S. have discovered that higher levels of tyramine—a molecule related to blood pressure management—could lead to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). Specifically, five types of food—aged cheeses, cured and processed meats, yeast-extract spreads, as well as pickled or salted foods like dried fruit—are noted for having high tyramine content.

Experts consider these findings significant, indicating that dietary adjustments may be a straightforward solution for tackling EDS. Published in the journal Lancet eBioMedicine, the study suggests that enhancing one’s diet could, in fact, help alleviate this often debilitating condition.

Tariq Faquih, the lead author and a postdoctoral fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, remarked, “Our study suggests that both diet and genetics could significantly influence EDS.” He added that as research progresses, a clearer understanding of the biological mechanisms behind EDS is emerging, including its early indicators and potential treatments.

The next logical step, according to Faquih, would be to conduct clinical trials to explore whether dietary omega-3s and omega-6s can effectively reduce the risk of EDS.

So, what specific foods should you be mindful of? Aged cheeses, like cheddar, feta, and brie, as well as cured meats such as salami, bacon, and pepperoni. Yeast-extract spreads like Marmite and Vegemite are also on the list. Even overripe fruits, like bananas and avocados, fall into this category.

Interestingly, another recent study, published in June, linked daytime napping to a higher risk of premature death. Researchers tracked over 86,000 healthy adults and found that those who often napped—in particular, those who did so early in the afternoon—showed a higher likelihood of dying sooner than those who did not nap during the day.

Experts believe that excessive daytime fatigue might signal deeper issues, such as poor-quality nighttime sleep or potential health problems, including sleep disorders or even heart issues.