Looking for ways to improve your sleep health this year? If you have been searching for tips, tricks and techniques on ways to sleep better, we have got a surprising solution for you: fish. According to a recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania, fish may be the answer to fewer sleep disturbances and overall improved sleep quality. And your brain may see a boost too.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, found a link between eating fish regularly and high sleep quality among Chinese schoolchildren. Conducted on 541 Chinese boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 11, the study looked at how much fish they consumed. Then, they had their parents report back on how they were sleeping. After the children turned 12, the same group was given an IQ test. Researches also found that largely as a result of improved sleep, the children also scored higher on IQ tests. The results showed those children who consumed fish weekly scored 4.8 points higher on the IQ tests and had an overall higher quality of sleep than those children who rarely or never consumed fish.
“I encourage focus on eating “wild caught” fish. Unfortunately, farmed fish harbor potentially toxic levels of pesticides and agricultural chemicals,” shares Susan Wilder, MD Founder and CEO of LifeScape.
There have been previous studies that have showed a correlation between omega-3s, the fatty acids found in many types of fish, and improved intelligence, as well as the consumption of omega-3s and better sleep. But until now, they have never all been connected before.
While the focus of this study was on kids, it is reasonable to assume that these findings may also apply to adults. There are studies that have shown how omega-3 fatty acids can improve psychological functioning in adults. Researchers theorize that it’s a chain reaction:
Better sleep → higher cognitive function
Fish may help with sleep, resulting in higher IQ.
Bet you never realized that your sushi or lox at brunch was helping you snooze! If you want your kids to be healthy and perform better in school, try putting some fish on the table.
Why learning how to sleep better matters. Getting a good night’s rest consistently results in increased energy, an improved heart and immune system health, a better mood and even a longer life. And you will feel so much better after getting at least 8 hours of deep, satisfying rest.
If fish is not already on your grocery list, now may be the time to add it. It could be the key you have been searching for to help you sleep better. It is another great reason to add a serving of fish per week to your dinner rotation—especially if you are feeding little ones.
Don’t Sleep on Your Health: How to sleep better with LifeScape Premier
At LifeScape Premier we practice functional medicine. We do not want to just treat your symptoms, we want to discover the root cause, so we can treat your condition. In most cases, being tired is just a symptom. Let us help you get your life back on track by figuring out why you are always tired and working together with you to develop and execute on a solution.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CONSULT WITH LIFESCAPE PREMIER TODAY.
References:
http://time.com/5077404/fish-omega-3-sleep/
https://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/eating-fish-linked-to-better-sleep-study/
http://bgr.com/2017/12/27/benefits-of-eating-fish-omega-3-higher-iq-better-sleep/
https://www.southernliving.com/syndication/fish-omega-3-sleep
