Associations of Dietary ω-3, ω-6 Fatty Acids Consumption with Sleep Disorders and Sleep Duration among Adults

Abstract

The relationship between ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids consumption and sleep disorders or duration are controversial. Therefore, we used the data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016 in this cross-sectional study to explore their relationships. ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids consumption was assessed using two 24 h dietary recall interviews. Sleep disorders and sleep duration were based on self-reported data. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used. Compared with tertile one, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of sleep disorders for the second tertile of ω-6 fatty acid intake and the highest tertile of ω-6:ω-3 ratio were 1.30 (1.04–1.62) and 1.36 (1.08–1.70), respectively. Inverse U-shaped and linear dose–response relationships were observed between dietary ω-6 fatty acid intake and ω-6:ω-3 ratio and sleep disorders, respectively. In addition, ω-3 fatty acid consumption was adversely related to sleep disorders in men and the OR (95% CI) was 0.68 (0.49–0.95). Compared with normal sleep duration, ω-3 fatty acid consumption was negatively related to very short, short, and long sleep duration risk. The relative risk ratios (RRRs) were 0.53 (0.35–0.81), 0.79 (0.67–0.93), and 0.81 (068–0.98), respectively. The RRR of very short sleep for ω-6 fatty acid consumption was 0.57 (0.45–0.73). Our study indicates that ω-6 fatty acid consumption and the ω-6:ω-3 ratio are positively associated with the risk of sleep disorders, while the negative association between ω-3 fatty acids and sleep disorders may exist only in men. Furthermore, ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acid consumption are negatively related to the risk of non-normal sleep duration.

Associations of α-linolenic acid dietary intake with very short sleep duration in adults

“…To control for potential confounding effects, we included the following covariates: age, gender, marital status, body mass index, annual family income, race/ethnicity, educational level, smoking status, drinking status, caffeine intake, diabetes, and hypertension. As stated above, recreational and work-related physical activities were summarized into a new variable, “total activity.” The classifications of the above covariates were consistent with previous studies ( 24 , 25 ) and are illustrated in Table 1 .…”

“…As stated above, recreational and workrelated physical activities were summarized into a new variable, "total activity." The classifications of the above covariates were consistent with previous studies (24,25) and are illustrated in Table 1.…”

“…Moreover, this is the first study based on a large, nationally representative sample of American adults that explores the association of dietary ALA intake with sleep disorders and very short sleep. Unlike previous studies ( 24 , 26 ), we used body weight instead of energy intake to adjust dietary ALA intake. Our analysis results were statistically more significant; therefore, they were more reliable for application.…”

“…Compared to men, women use a smaller proportion of α-linoleic acid as the substrate for β-oxidation, and a higher proportion is converted into long-chain fatty acids ω-3, possibly due to the regulation of estrogen (43). Previous studies have shown that ω-3 fatty acids improved sleep problems (24,44). Furthermore, we found that higher dietary intake of ALA was associated with significantly lower ORs of very short sleep duration for older women and men and middle-aged men.…”

Association between Sleep Duration and Grip Strength in U.S. Older Adults: An NHANES Analysis (2011–2014)

“…The sleep investigations were performed by employing a computer-assisted personal interviewing system by qualified interviewers in the home. Sleep duration was estimated by self-report from one single question: “How much sleep do you usually get at night on weekdays or workdays?” and was further broken down into four categories: long (≥9 h), normal (7–<9 h), short (5–<7 h), and very short (<5 h), depending on the response to this question [ 27 , 28 ]. The distribution of sleep duration for enrolled participants is shown in Supplement Table S1 .…”