test-Why Can't I Fall Sleep After Taking Essential Fatty Acid Supplements?
Why Can't I Fall Sleep After Taking Essential Fatty Acid Supplements?
Vitamins and Supplements FAQs • April 23, 2011
I believe there is merit to taking EFAs and have tried many different sources and types, both plant and animal based. I have used fish oil, cod liver oil, krill oil, flaxseed oil, hemp seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, chia seeds, hemp seed, etc. My problem is, every time I start taking anything with EFAs, I can't sleep. It gets progressively worse, usually starting around 4 or 5 days of taking an EFA supplement. I will lay down in bed and NEVER fall into a deep sleep. It is extremely frustrating and makes me question the "essential" part of EFAs. Do you have any information on why EFAs would do this?

Thanks,
Ryan
 

Ryan, Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids enhance activity of neurotransmitters. If you also take something that supports serotonin like melatonin, adding Omega 3 and 6 to the mix may be contributing to excessive serotonin and the backlash response that would result from excessive serotonin. Some people actually sleep better with EFAs, but the overload might be the culprit here. Or, if it was one particular products that was causing the symptom, you may be allergic to or sensitive to one of the plant sources in the supplement. To be sure, we recommend checking with a doctor for an allergy test or serotonin test to be sure.

This question was answered by a trained product specialist at Swanson Health Products. Do you have a question you’d like answered? Send them via email to drea658baic@compend.me.

(Note: as per industry regulations, we cannot and will not answer medical questions, make treatment or diagnosis recommendations or comment on disease inquiries. Such questions must be answered by your doctor or professional healthcare provider.)
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