As many as 40% of children can have difficulty sleeping. Sleep deprivation can lead to other health problems, including fatigue, declining school performance, depression, behavioral issues, weight gain and even poor general health. An Oxford University study recently published in the Journal of Sleep Research, evaluated the sleep patterns of 395 children between 7 to 9years old. They also measured DHA levels in their blood. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid. The researchers found a correlation between the amount that the children slept and the blood DHA levels. Specifically, lower levels of DHA correlated with a reduction in sleep duration, while higher blood DHA levels were associated with significantly more sleep. To test whether or not sleep could be improved by raising DHA levels, the researchers administered DHA (derived from marine algae), or a placebo for 16 weeks. These children were then evaluated in terms of their sleep performance. The study revealed that children who received the DHA showed not only better quality sleep, but significantly fewer and shorter night-wakening. They also experienced an increase in sleep duration by nearly one hour a night. How DHA directly relates to sleep in children remains unknown and requires additional research. The authors speculated that the correlation between DHA and sleep in children may be related to the relationship between DHA levels in the brain and the production of the hormone melatonin, which is known to play an important role in sleep regulation. Adequate, restorative sleep is a fundamental requirement for healthy brain function. This new report provides some valuable information for health professionals and parents who are exploring options to help children obtain the rest they need. For example, parents can manage their child’s diet and nutrition to ensure the foods they are eating include omega-3 DHA, such as fatty fish like salmon. If food alone is not providing adequate amounts of DHA, parents can look for high-quality fish and plant-based DHA supplements, which are available in most health food stores, grocery stores and pharmacies.
Posted on: Wed, 16 Apr 2014 11:19:24 +0000
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