Circadian Rhythms and Neuroendocrine Dysregulation in ADHD: Therapeutic Insights from Omega-3 Fatty Acids

📖 Top 30% JournalJan 12, 2026BioMedicine

Body Clock and Hormone Imbalance in ADHD: Potential Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

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Abstract

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with circadian rhythm disturbances, particularly delayed sleep phase.

Circadian rhythm disturbances in ADHD may involve dysregulation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and altered melatonin secretion.
Genetic studies link ADHD to polymorphisms in clock genes.
Nutraceuticals like omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) could influence circadian rhythms and are essential for brain health.
Supplementation with n-3 PUFAs may improve cognitive and behavioral outcomes in ADHD, potentially through circadian pathways.
N-3 PUFAs may help modulate circadian clock genes, restore rhythm synchronization, and normalize melatonin secretion.

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Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition often accompanied by circadian rhythm disturbances, particularly delayed sleep phase. These involve suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) dysregulation, altered melatonin secretion, and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, which may be exacerbated by artificial light exposure. Genetic studies further implicate circadian mechanisms, linking ADHD with polymorphisms in clock genes such asand. Nutraceuticals, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), have been proposed as modulators of circadian rhythms. N-3 PUFAs are essential for brain health and may influence melatonin synthesis and sleep-wake regulation. Preclinical and clinical findings suggest that supplementation can improve cognitive and behavioral outcomes in ADHD, possibly through circadian pathways, though direct clinical evidence remains limited. This review integrates findings on melatonin and cortisol dysregulation in ADHD and evaluates n-3 PUFAs as potential non-photic zeitgebers. N-3 PUFAs may modulate circadian clock genes in the SCN, restore rhythm synchronization, normalize melatonin secretion, stabilize HPA axis activity, and reduce systemic inflammation. Future research should focus on well-designed trials to clarify the circadian effects of n-3 supplementation in ADHD. PER CLOCK

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