Sufficient and quality sleep is vital for a healthy brain and the overall functioning of the body. It is also essential for young and adult development.
Recent research suggests a link between poor sleep and muscle dysmorphia, a rapidly growing problem among young people.
This particular research study was published in the journal Sleep Health with more than 900 young people and young adults interviewed. Over the course of two weeks, those with higher symptoms of muscle dysmorphia reported sleeping less and having difficulty falling or staying asleep.
Lead author Kyle T. Ganson, PhD, MSW, assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash School of Social Work, pointed out that “lack of sleep can have significant negative effects on adolescents and young adults, including increased negative mental health symptoms. “.
“Poor sleep in those with symptoms of muscle dysmorphia is concerning because it may exacerbate the functional and social impairments commonly reported by these individuals, as well as increase suicidal ideation and behavior.”
According to earlier studies, this is a point of concern. Past studies show that teenagers and young adults sleep less than the recommended seven to ten hours at night.
Numerous studies have also revealed that poor sleep is associated with feelings of anxiety, sadness and schizophrenia and is an indicator of mental health disorders. The study by Ganson and his colleagues is the first to look at the link between sleep and muscle dysmorphia.
According to the author of the study, there may be different pathways connecting the symptomatology of increased muscle dysmorphia with insufficient sleep. For example, people who have a higher threshold for physical appearance, obsessive thought patterns, and body and muscle anxiety can find it quite difficult to fall asleep.
In addition, for some people, physical activity can take over the role of sleep, for example when they exercise in the evening to avoid conflict with their work responsibilities.
“Individuals experiencing symptoms of muscle dysmorphia may be more likely to use and consume supplements that are marketed to enhance training, increase muscle mass and accelerate muscle recovery,” Ganson said.
“These products tend to have high levels of caffeine or other stimulants that can negatively affect sleep. Additionally, anabolic-androgenic steroids commonly used among people with muscle dysmorphia have been shown to negatively affect sleep.”
