Sleep-and-Muscle-Dysmorphia

How Lack of Zzz’s Ties to Muscle Dysmorphia: Unveiling New Research

Discover the surprising link between poor sleep and muscle dysmorphia in young individuals. Dive into groundbreaking research revealing how inadequate sleep impacts mental health, amplifying challenges faced by those with muscle dysmorphia. Uncover insights into the complex relationship, and explore the potential factors affecting sleep.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for our overall health, especially during the crucial developmental stages of adolescence and young adulthood. A recent study has found a connection between inadequate sleep and signs of muscle dysmorphia, a concerning trend among young individuals.
The research, published in Sleep Health, involved more than 900 teenagers and young adults. Over a two-week period, those who reported more symptoms of muscle dysmorphia tended to get fewer hours of sleep and experienced difficulties falling or staying asleep. Lead author Kyle T Ganson, PhD, MSW, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, emphasized the significant negative impacts poor sleep can have on mental health in this age group.
Ganson expressed concern about poor sleep exacerbating the functional and social challenges commonly reported by individuals with muscle dysmorphia, potentially leading to increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Previous studies have consistently shown that, on average, adolescents and young adults are not meeting the recommended 7 to 10 hours of sleep per night.
Research also indicates that insufficient sleep is linked to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis. Ganson’s study, the first of its kind, investigates the relationship between sleep and muscle dysmorphia. The authors suggest that the connection between greater muscle dysmorphia symptoms and poor sleep may be complex. Factors like dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, obsessive thinking, and anxiety related to body image could contribute to impaired sleep.
Some individuals may prioritize physical activity over sleep, engaging in muscle-building exercises in the evening to avoid interfering with work responsibilities. Ganson pointed out that those experiencing muscle dysmorphia symptoms might be more likely to use dietary supplements marketed for improving workouts, increasing muscle mass, and accelerating recovery. These supplements often contain high levels of caffeine or stimulants, which can negatively impact sleep. Additionally, the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids, common among people with muscle dysmorphia, has been shown to have adverse effects on sleep.
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