Differential Effects of DHA- and EPA-Rich Oils on Sleep in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Emerging evidence suggests that adequate intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), which include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA), might be associated with better sleep quality. N-3 PUFAs, must acquired from dietary sources, are typically consumed at suboptimal levels in Western diets. Therefore, the current placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial, investigated effects an oil rich either DHA or EPA on quality healthy adults who habitually low amounts oily fish. Eighty-four participants aged 25–49 years completed 26-week intervention trial. Compared to placebo, improvements actigraphy efficiency (p = 0.030) latency 0.026) were observed following DHA-rich oil. However, these also reported feeling less energetic compared placebo 0.041), rested 0.017), there was a trend towards ready perform 0.075) than those given EPA-rich A improved identified group 0.087), along significant decrease both total time bed 0.032) 0.019) No treatment for urinary excretion major melatonin metabolite 6-sulfatoxymelatonin. This study first demonstrate some positive supplementation n-3 PUFAs adult normal sleepers, provides novel showing differential PUFA supplements EPA. Further investigation into mechanisms underpinning observations including architecture required.