Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025

Author Spotlight: Overcoming Challenges in Drosophila Sleep Measurement Using DAM System
Published on: October 20, 2023
Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids slow sleep impairment progression by regulating central circadian rhythms in
Pan Zhuang1, Yuqi Wu2, Jianxin Yao2
1Department of Endocrinology of The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
The role of marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in promoting sleep has been proposed, yet their benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we identify a significant association between habitual fish oil use and improved sleep quality in a cohort of 27,549 patients with T2D. A subsequent randomized controlled trial demonstrates that fish oil supplementation enhances sleep parameters in patients with T2D, accompanied by the upregulation of core circadian clock genes, including Clock, Bmal1, and Per2. In vitro, DHA and EPA restore the rhythmic oscillations of key clock genes in hypothalamic neurons disrupted by palmitic acid. Notably, n-3 PUFAs target RORα to regulate circadian clock oscillations and facilitate BMAL1 nuclear translocation. Collectively, our findings highlight the potential of marine n-3 PUFAs as a dietary intervention to improve sleep health in patients with T2D. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03708887).
Related Concept Videos
Management of Insomnia
Circadian Rhythms and Gene Regulation
Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sedatives and Hypnotics Drugs: Miscellaneous Agents
Melatonin congeners like ramelteon (Rozerem) and tasimelteon (Hetlioz) selectively bind to melatonin receptors (MT1 and MT2) and thus mimic the actions of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. Tasimelteon is primarily used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, common in blind patients. They are also used to treat conditions like insomnia...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Understanding Sleep
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...

