Japanese researchers have found that the timing of seafood consumption affects sleep quality and circadian rhythms. People who include fish and other seafood in their breakfast are more likely to be morning types and suffer less from social jetlag, reports infohub.kz.
The scientists published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology the results of a study on the impact of the timing of omega-3 fatty acid intake on human chronotype and social jetlag. The study analyzed data from 5,975 Japanese adults aged 18 to 75 who filled out food diaries via the mobile app Asken. Sleep parameters were assessed using the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire.
The analysis showed that people who consumed seafood and the fatty acids EPA and DHA at breakfast exhibited a shift in chronotype toward the morning type. Their midpoint of sleep occurred about 19-21 minutes earlier compared to those who ate less seafood in the morning. Additionally, regular omega-3 intake at breakfast was associated with a reduction in social jetlag by 5-6 minutes.
Lunch showed a weaker correlation, while dinner had virtually no effect on chronotype. In contrast, consuming seafood as snacks was linked to a later chronotype and increased social jetlag, which the scientists attributed to the overall eating pattern of "night owls."
The researchers note that the study is observational and only proves correlation, not direct causation. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings.