A guy showing how Omega 3 fish oil capsules impacts sleep and sleep cycle
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Misbah Wasi

Functional Nutrition Specialist, Scientific & Regulatory Advisor for Health Supplements

Misbah Wasi is a seasoned professional in the field of Nutrition Science and Food Regulation for over 15 years. Currently, she is lendin her expertise in the area of Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals and is an active member of the Standards Review Group (SRG) - Nutraceuticals FSSAI Ms. Wasi is a post-graduate in Food and Nutrition. Certified Lead Food Safety Management Systems Auditor (FSMS, FSSC 22000) and a certified FoSTaC traine for Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals. She is also a Subject Matter Expert for ‘Food Regulations in India’ for IFLR (International Food Laws and Regulations) course at Michigan State University.

How Fish Oil Might Impact Restorative Sleep Patterns

Sleep is often considered one of the most critical aspects of maintaining good health, yet many people struggle with getting the quality sleep they need. From hectic lifestyles to modern technology, various factors can disrupt sleep, leading to long-term health problems. It is very important to note that what we consume in our diets can significantly influence the quality of our sleep. One supplement that has been gaining attention for its potential sleep-enhancing benefits is omega-3 fish oil.

In this blog, we will explore how fish oil might impact restorative sleep patterns, helping you achieve deeper, more restful sleep. Restorative sleep is crucial for both mental and physical recovery, and fish oil benefits might just be the key to improving your sleep cycle and overall well-being.


What is Restorative Sleep?

Before we understand the benefits of omega-3 fish oil, it is essential to understand what restorative sleep is and why it is so crucial for our health.

Restorative sleep refers to the deep, restful sleep that helps repair and rejuvenate the body. This type of sleep plays a vital role in supporting cognitive functions, immune responses, emotional stability, and physical health. During restorative sleep, your body repairs tissues restores energy levels, and consolidates memories.

A balanced sleep cycle consists of various stages, including light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement). The body needs an optimal balance of these stages to function at its best. However, disruptions in the sleep cycle, often caused by stress, poor diet, or lifestyle factors, can result in insufficient restorative sleep.

The key question now is: can a nutrient like omega-3 fish oil support better, more restorative sleep?

Let’s find out!

How Omega-3 Fish Oil Supports Restorative Sleep?

Research1 shows that the fatty acids in omega-3 fish oil, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are essential for brain health and play a role in regulating sleep patterns. 

Here is how omega-3 fish oil might help with sleep restoration:

• Promotes Melatonin Production: Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating your sleep cycle. Higher levels of DHA in the body are associated with better melatonin production, which can promote deeper and longer sleep2.

• Reduces Inflammation: Inflammation in the body can lead to poor sleep quality. Fish oil benefits include its strong anti-inflammatory properties3, which help reduce internal inflammation, thereby promoting a more restful sleep.

• Improves Brain Function: Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for maintaining brain health and function4. By improving neural communication and reducing brain inflammation, omega-3 fish oil may help reduce sleep disturbances and ensure that your sleep is truly restorative.

• Regulates Stress Response: Stress is one of the leading causes of poor sleep. Fish oil can help regulate the body’s response to stress by lowering cortisol levels (a stress hormone), which in turn supports relaxation and better sleep5.

Top Fish Oil Benefits Beyond Sleep

While fish oil has shown promise in supporting restorative sleep patterns, it offers additional health benefits that contribute to overall well-being and, by extension, better sleep quality.

• Heart Health: Omega-3s can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders by reducing blood pressure, and triglycerides, and preventing plaque buildup in arteries6. A healthy heart can lead to better circulation, improved energy levels, and more restful sleep.

• Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is linked to various diseases, including arthritis and autoimmune disorders. Omega-3 fish oil helps reduce inflammation, improving not just sleep but also joint health and pain relief. This is particularly beneficial for people whose sleep is disturbed by discomfort or pain.

• Cognitive Health: Omega-3 fish oil supports cognitive function and mental health by improving memory and mood. Cognitive decline and poor mental health, such as depression or anxiety, often lead to insomnia or poor sleep quality. By supporting the brain, fish oil indirectly aids in better sleep7.


In summary, the benefits of fish oil extend well beyond sleep, but these factors play a significant role in helping you achieve a healthier sleep cycle.


Ways to Incorporate Fish Oil into Your Routine for Better Sleep

To maximize the benefits of fish oil for your sleep, it is important to integrate it properly into your routine. Here are some practical tips:

• Daily Supplementation: The most common and effective way to take omega-3 fish oil is through supplements. Most experts recommend taking between 500 to 1000 mg of EPA and DHA combined daily. Consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage based on your needs.

• Consistency is Key: Like with any supplement, the effects of fish oil on sleep will not be immediate. Consistent use over several weeks or months can lead to noticeable improvements in restorative sleep and overall sleep patterns.

• Combine with a Balanced Diet: While omega-3 fish oil can significantly impact sleep restoration, it works best when part of a balanced diet includes whole foods, plenty of vegetables, and other healthy fats.

• Timing of Supplementation: To maximize its impact on your sleep cycle, consider taking fish oil with your meals. The omega-3s in fish oil can support relaxation and reduce stress levels before bedtime, helping prepare your body for a restful night’s sleep.

  

Incorporating omega-3 fish oil into your daily routine may be an effective way to improve restorative sleep patterns. From promoting melatonin production to reducing inflammation, fish oil benefits both your brain and body, helping you achieve deeper, more restful sleep.

With the increasing awareness of the importance of quality sleep, fish oil offers a simple yet powerful solution to enhance your overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with insomnia, stress, or simply want to improve your sleep cycle, adding omega-3 fish oil to your regimen may be the key to unlocking better sleep and better health. 


References

  1. Yokoi-Shimizu, K., Yanagimoto, K., & Hayamizu, K. (2022). Effect of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid supplementation on sleep quality in healthy subjects: a randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled trial. Nutrients, 14(19), 4136. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194136

  2. Patan, M. J., Kennedy, D. O., Husberg, C., Hustvedt, S. O., Calder, P. C., Middleton, B., Khan, J., Forster, J., & Jackson, P. A. (2021). Differential effects of DHA- and EPA-Rich oils on sleep in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients, 13(1), 248. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13010248

  3. Simopoulos, A. P. (2002). Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 21(6), 495–505. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719248

  4. Dighriri, I. M., Alsubaie, A. M., Hakami, F. M., Hamithi, D. M., Alshekh, M. M., Khobrani, F. A., Dalak, F. E., Hakami, A. A., Alsueaadi, E. H., Alsaawi, L. S., Alshammari, S. F., Alqahtani, A. S., Alawi, I. A., Aljuaid, A. A., & Tawhari, M. Q. (2022c). Effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on brain functions: a systematic review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.30091

  5. Madison, A. A., Belury, M. A., Andridge, R., Renna, M. E., Shrout, M. R., Malarkey, W. B., Lin, J., Epel, E. S., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2021b). Omega-3 supplementation and stress reactivity of cellular aging biomarkers: an ancillary substudy of a randomized, controlled trial in midlife adults. Molecular Psychiatry, 26(7), 3034–3042. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01077-2

  6. Chaddha, A., & Eagle, K. A. (2015). Omega-3 fatty acids and heart health. Circulation, 132(22). https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.114.015176

  7. Alzoubi, K. H., Mayyas, F., & Zamzam, H. I. A. (2019). Omega-3 fatty acids protects against chronic sleep-deprivation induced memory impairment. Life Sciences, 227, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2019.04.028
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