Men who use steroids to increase muscle mass are more likely to have disturbed sleep.
- Steroids are synthetic substances that mimic the effects of testosterone.
- Some men take it to build muscle mass.
- A Norwegian study found that men who use steroids to increase muscle mass are more likely to suffer from poor sleep quality.
A Norwegian study found that men who use steroids to increase muscle mass are more likely to suffer from poor sleep quality.
The results, published in the journal BMC Psychiatryindicate that these sleep problems could persist even after steroid use has stopped, highlighting the need for increased awareness of the side effects associated with these substances.
The study included a sample of 126 adult male weightlifters, 68 of whom were current or past steroid users and 58 non-users serving as a control group. Recruitment channels for the cohort included social media, online forums dedicated to weightlifting and bodybuilding, and direct contact with gyms in the Oslo area.
To measure participants’ sleep quality, researchers used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Jenkins Sleep Scale.
Steroids: two thirds of users report sleep problems
After analyzing all the data, the researchers found that almost all components of the PSQI index were more impaired in steroid users, with the exception of time to fall asleep. These results were confirmed by Jenkins Sleep Scale scores.
During periods of active steroid use and withdrawal, participants’ sleep quality was also worse than that of the control group, with periods of abstinence marked by particularly poor sleep.
Additionally, about two-thirds of participants using steroids told scientists directly about having sleep problems.
The studytitled “Sleep pathology and use of anabolic androgen steroids among male weightlifters in Norway”, was produced by Sandra Klonteig, Morgan Scarth and Astrid Bjørnebekk.
Steroids are synthetic substances that mimic the effects of the male sex hormone testosterone. They are used medically to treat conditions such as delayed puberty and loss of muscle mass due to certain diseases. However, steroids are best known for their use by athletes who want to improve their muscle mass, strength and physical performance.
Steroids: qWhat are the effects of lack of sleep on health?
Lack of sleep weakens the immune system, encourages snacking, leads to drinking alcohol, triggers the desire to smoke tobacco, lowers the level of concentration, reduces the ability to learn or accomplish goals, achieves our ability to take a step back from situations increases irritability, stress and anxiety.
Sleep disorders can also lead to cardiovascular diseases. We are talking here, for example, about atherosclerosis, heart rhythm disorders, myocardial infarction, heart failure or even strokes.
