Associations of Dietary ω-3, ω-6 Fatty Acids Consumption with Sleep Disorders and Sleep Duration among Adults

Abstract

The relationship between ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids consumption and sleep disorders or duration are controversial. Therefore, we used the data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016 in this cross-sectional study to explore their relationships. ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acids consumption was assessed using two 24 h dietary recall interviews. Sleep disorders and sleep duration were based on self-reported data. Logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used. Compared with tertile one, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of sleep disorders for the second tertile of ω-6 fatty acid intake and the highest tertile of ω-6:ω-3 ratio were 1.30 (1.04–1.62) and 1.36 (1.08–1.70), respectively. Inverse U-shaped and linear dose–response relationships were observed between dietary ω-6 fatty acid intake and ω-6:ω-3 ratio and sleep disorders, respectively. In addition, ω-3 fatty acid consumption was adversely related to sleep disorders in men and the OR (95% CI) was 0.68 (0.49–0.95). Compared with normal sleep duration, ω-3 fatty acid consumption was negatively related to very short, short, and long sleep duration risk. The relative risk ratios (RRRs) were 0.53 (0.35–0.81), 0.79 (0.67–0.93), and 0.81 (068–0.98), respectively. The RRR of very short sleep for ω-6 fatty acid consumption was 0.57 (0.45–0.73). Our study indicates that ω-6 fatty acid consumption and the ω-6:ω-3 ratio are positively associated with the risk of sleep disorders, while the negative association between ω-3 fatty acids and sleep disorders may exist only in men. Furthermore, ω-3 and ω-6 fatty acid consumption are negatively related to the risk of non-normal sleep duration.