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Pre-Workout Supplements Sabotage Teen Sleep
8 Apr
Summary
- Pre-workout users are twice as likely to sleep five hours or less.
- Supplements often contain 90-350mg of caffeine per serving.
- Experts urge doctors to ask young patients about supplement use.
Gymgoers who use pre-workout supplements are more than twice as likely to experience sleep durations of five hours or less nightly, according to a recent University of Toronto study. This finding is concerning as it falls significantly short of the approximately eight hours of sleep recommended for adolescents and young adults.
The study highlights that popular pre-workout supplements often contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants, with doses ranging from 90mg to over 350mg per serving. Researchers emphasize that this elevated stimulant intake may disrupt sleep patterns, potentially impacting overall health, mental well-being, and academic performance.
Experts are urging pediatricians and family doctors to routinely inquire about young patients' use of these supplements. They suggest harm reduction strategies, such as avoiding pre-workout products 12 to 14 hours before bedtime, as a measure to mitigate sleep disruption. Educating young individuals and their families about the potential negative effects of these fitness products on sleep and health is crucial.
