Pre-Workout Supplement Use Linked to Significantly Shorter sleep in Young Adults
A recent study has found a strong association between pre-workout supplement use and very short sleep duration in adolescents and young adults. researchers analyzed data from a demographically diverse group with a mean age of 23.4 years (SD 3.8), finding that 22.2% reported using pre-workout supplements in teh past year.
The study categorized sleep patterns over the previous two weeks,revealing that approximately 34.9% averaged around seven hours of sleep per night.However,a concerning 10.6% reported consistently getting five hours or less of sleep. Participants’ demographics included 57.4% identifying as girls and young women, 33.8% as boys and young men, and 8.8% as transgender or gender-expansive, with racial/ethnic depiction of 62.2% White, 17.1% Asian,3.5% Black, 11.0% multiracial, and 6.2% other. The majority (55.1%) identified as heterosexual.
Using multinomial logistic regression,researchers adjusted for factors like demographics,mental health symptoms (measured using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales),and recent weight training (within the prior 30 days). Despite these adjustments, pre-workout use remained a significant predictor of very short sleep. specifically,individuals who used pre-workout supplements were more than twice as likely to report sleeping five hours or less compared to those who typically slept eight hours a night. No significant relationships were found between pre-workout use and sleep durations of six, seven, or nine-plus hours.
The study’s statistical model demonstrated good fit, with Variance Inflation Factors (VIFs) indicating minimal multicollinearity (all VIFs <2, except for the correlated PHQ-9 and GAD-7). Effect modification by gender was not statistically significant. Analyses were conducted using Stata 17.0.
Researchers suggest the findings align with the known effects of caffeine, a common ingredient in pre-workout supplements, which can disrupt sleep-wake cycles. This is especially relevant for students and young professionals who exercise late in the day, consuming pre-workout close to bedtime.
While the cross-sectional design prevents definitive conclusions about cause and effect – it’s possible that individuals with pre-existing sleep deprivation may be more likely to use pre-workouts for an energy boost - the strength of the association is noteworthy. The study highlights that even occasional pre-workout use could contribute to insufficient sleep, especially given that fewer than one in three participants met the recommended eight hours or more of sleep per night.
The study authors emphasize the need for practical guidance regarding pre-workout timing, dosage, and strategies to protect sleep. Recommendations include avoiding pre-workout consumption close to bedtime, carefully reviewing caffeine content on product labels, and prioritizing good sleep hygiene practices. Future research should focus on prospective studies to investigate the specific effects of dose, timing, and ingredient combinations on sleep, ultimately informing targeted education, policy, and clinical interventions.
