Children need a lot of sleep. Indeed, when children sleep well and long enough, they are more balanced, effective, and creative. Omega-3 fatty acid DHA can help children sleep better and longer.
It is a fact that many children do not sleep enough. It is estimated that one in ten children suffers from sleep disorders. Long days with school stress and a dense after-school programs contribute to the fact that many children are overstimulated in the evening and find it hard to rest.
Why is the right amount of sleep so important for children?
Sleep deprivation has numerous negative effects on children, such as diminishing their ability to concentrate. This is not only disrupts their learning, but can also become dangerous when they are out in the world. With sleep deprivation, a child’s creativity decreases and a child can become nervous and irritable. Poor sleep can play a role in a child’s misbehavior.
Higher DHA levels can improve sleep
The essential omega-3 fatty acids promote the physical and mental development of children and an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids can positively influence ADHD and even boost cognitive ability. More information on omega-3 micronutrient can be found in the review article here.
Two separate studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) specifically contributes to improving sleep in children. British scientists have found in the Oxford University DOLAB study of 395 children that those who sleep better and longer have higher blood levels of DHA. Furthermore, their observations confirmed the hypothetical connection between sleep problems and behavioral problems.
Children supplied with DHA not only slept better but also 46 minutes longer on average.
Later, the researchers dug deeper. A subgroup of the 395 children in the previous study wore a sleep monitor on their wrist for five days. One group was administered DHA and the rest a placebo. After this treatment, the quality of sleep was monitored for several days. The clear result: children treated with DHA woke up less often at night and slept 46 minutes longer on average.
A daily amount of 600 mg DHA improves reading performance and behavior even in children with no behavioral problems.
The DOLAB study had already found positive effects on the behavior and academic success of children between the ages of seven and nine. More than 350 children with below-average academic performance were selected in reading tests. These subjects were given either 600 mg DHA daily or a placebo for 16 weeks.
Among the weakest readers there were significant improvements, and parents reported improvements in behavior as well. This was the first study in which not only children with symptoms of ADHD or other neurological problems were selected and thus, we can learn more about the other children of this age group.
Through omega-3 fatty acids, DHA is found in large quantities in linseed, rapeseed, or walnut oil as well as in fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, and chard. However, children often do not consume a sufficient amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Therefore children may need supplements, provided the product is suitable for children. The quality of these products can vary widely, and one must compare the quality of the ingredients and the amount of omega-3 fatty acids contained.
