The relationship between intake of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and sleep quality in older adults with diabetes: A hospital-based analysis.
Level 4 - case-series / case-control
Hospital-based case-control study.
PubMed 41686562 · doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000047670
What was done
Hospital-based case-control study of 193 hospitalized older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus comparing participants with sleep impairment (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index >= 5) to those without sleep impairment (PSQI < 5). Dietary intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids was assessed using a validated 14-item food frequency questionnaire incorporating local food profiles. Multivariable logistic regression models evaluated associations between fatty acid intake thresholds and sleep impairment risk.
What was found
Participants with sleep impairment had significantly lower daily intake of DHA (284.5 vs 884.8 mg/d, P < .001) and EPA (134.7 vs 405.2 mg/d, P < .001). In adjusted models, DHA intake < 583.1 mg/d was associated with higher sleep impairment risk (OR 2.81, 95% CI: 1.61 to 4.92, P = .006), and EPA intake < 269.3 mg/d was associated with higher risk (OR 1.99, 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.75, P = .012). Total polyunsaturated fatty acid intake (OR 1.62, P = .182) and linoleic acid intake (OR 1.79, P = .842) showed no significant associations.
Why it matters
This study identifies specific dietary intake thresholds of marine omega-3 fatty acids associated with sleep quality in older adults with diabetes. It suggests habitual intake of DHA and EPA is a potential modifiable target for sleep disturbances in this population.
Limits
The case-control design cannot establish causality. The sample size was modest (n = 193) and restricted to hospitalized older adults in a single center, limiting generalizability. Dietary intake was self-reported through a short 14-item questionnaire rather than measured with circulating fatty acid biomarkers, and sleep was assessed via self-report rather than objective actigraphy or polysomnography.
Cited by
- supports Observational studies demonstrate that omega-3 fatty acid deficiency is correlated with poor sleep quality.