(HealthyResearch.com) – Many of us enjoy fish one or more times a week. We might choose this food for various health-motivated reasons, from its protein power to its vitamin D content.
But there’s one surprising benefit of fish that gets little attention. Ready for a clue? Well, if this were a game of Jeopardy, the category would be “Health,” and the hint would be: “Getting hooked on fish might help with this common problem.” Read on for the answer.
What Nutrients in Fish Can Ease a Common Health Problem?
For those who already enjoy an occasional tuna salad or grilled salmon, get ready to discover a new excuse to treat yourself to a fish dish: Sleep!
And now, you might be able to guess the answer to the Jeopardy challenge posed above: “What is insomnia?” Fish eases insomnia through its nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acid and vitamin D.
Omega-3s have been shown to improve both how well we sleep and how long we slumber. To get that benefit, we need to consume these essential fats through foods like fish or supplements.
In addition, the vitamin D in sleep may enhance our sleep patterns. As discussed below, the lack of vitamin D is linked to sleep problems.
How Does Fish Improve Our Sleep?
Sleep research supports the many benefits of consuming fish. From providing us with omega-3s to boosting our vitamin D, this food may be the key to a good night’s sleep.
Research on how fish’s nutrients may improve our sleep includes these studies:
- Vitamin D: Researchers found that a lack of vitamin D is associated with a higher risk of sleep disorders. Fatty fish, such as salmon, are excellent sources of vitamin D.
- Melatonin: Omega-3 fatty acids include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Higher levels of DHA in our body boost our melatonin levels, while lower levels may result in a lack. Melatonin may improve the quality of our sleep.
- Fatty Acids: Study participants with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acid biomarkers experienced reduced risks of too much or too little sleep. Researchers concluded that omega-3 deficiencies are linked to sleep disorders.
Remember that advertisement about the tuna who asked the mermaids for the best fish in the sea? Sorry, Charlie, but it’s not just tuna that may enhance our sleep.
Whether we choose anchovies on our pizza or salmon on the barbecue, enjoying fish regularly may help us ease insomnia and related sleep disorders. From boosting our melatonin to raising our vitamin D levels, fish just might be the answer to a good night’s sleep. It’s a good reason to get hooked!
~Here’s to Your Health & Safety!
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