Association of omega-3 levels and sleep in US adults, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2012

OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between serum long-chain (LC) omega-3 fatty acid levels and sleep parameters among adults (N = 1314) in NHANES 2011-2012. METHODS: Regression analyses accounting for the complex-survey design were used to assess associations between serum LC omega-3 fatty acid levels, sleep duration, difficulty falling sleeping and sleep disorder. RESULTS: Overall, 48.6% were male, the mean age was 47.2 years, 5% reported very short sleep, 29% short sleep, 63% normal sleep and 3% long sleep. The sum of LC omega-3 fatty acid levels was lower among adults with short versus normal sleep, although differences were attenuated with adjustment for sociodemographic factors. Relative to normal sleep, adults with very short sleep had lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and sum of LC omega-3 fatty acids. Differences remained significant (p < .05 for all) with adjustment for sociodemographic factors. No associations were observed with difficulty falling sleeping or sleep disorder. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that omega-3 fatty acid levels are associated with healthy sleep duration, although, interventions are needed to clarify causality.