Notably, previous studies on EDS and mortality have predominantly focused on men, underscoring a significant gap in research regarding women's health.

Participants in the study were divided into three age groups: young women under 50, middle-aged women aged 50 to 64, and older women aged 65 and above.

Indira Gurubhagavatula from the University of Pennsylvania emphasized that these findings reinforce the importance of addressing sleepiness as a significant health concern in clinical practice.

A recent large observational study, presented at SLEEP 2025, analyzed the medical records of over 40,000 female veterans from 1999 to 2022, focusing on sleep-related health issues.

The findings revealed that excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is linked to a higher risk of all-cause mortality specifically in middle-aged women.

The adjusted odds ratio for mortality among women with high Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores was statistically significant only within this middle-aged group, indicating a critical area for further research.

Lead author Arash Maghsoudi highlighted the necessity of assessing EDS in women approaching their 50s and early 60s, as they are particularly vulnerable.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) supports the idea that sleepiness can impact daily functioning and may signal underlying health issues.

Despite the observed association, the mechanisms behind the increased mortality risk due to EDS in middle-aged women remain unclear and require additional investigation.