A new study suggests that giving children a daily intake of the omega-3 fatty acids can improve the quality of sleep they are getting. This finding can significantly boost their brain development and help them perform better when awake.
Health experts recommend that children need at least nine hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep or less hours of sleep may cause negative effects on their performance in school, other activities, and social interactions. Parents should talk to pediatrician if their children are snoring during sleep, or having difficulty getting sleep.
Researchers from Oxford University, led by Prof. Paul Montgomery, recruited 362 children with age four to 11 to participate in the study. They were divided into two groups: one was given 600 milligrams of Omega 3 supplements while the other was given placebos. They were asked to take them daily for 16 weeks. They also attached sensors to those children with sleep problems to monitor their movements.
Prior to the study, the researchers gave the parents questionnaires to find out if the children have preexisting sleep problems. Forty percent of the parents admitted that their children have sleep problems.
Their findings revealed that children who were given Omega-3 supplements were able to get an extra hour of sleep and seven less instances of waking up at night.
"Various substances made within the body from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have long been known to play key roles in the regulation of sleep," said Prof. Montgomery as quoted by CTV News. "For example, lower ratios of DHA have been linked with lower levels of melatonin, and that would fit with our finding that sleep problems are greater in children with lower levels of DHA in their blood."
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for its multiple health benefits particularly in lowering triglycerides and blood pressure. It is also used to help other conditions such rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and many more. While there are supplements available in the market, one can get it from natural sources such as flaxseed oil, fish oil, salmon, sardine, mackerel, walnuts, and more.
This study was published in the March 8 issue of the Journal of Sleep Research.
