Study Links Pre-Workout Supplements to Reduced Sleep in Teenagers and Young Adults

A new study published in Sleep Epidemiology examined the association between pre-workout supplement use and sleep duration among teenagers and young adults. Researchers from the University of Toronto analyzed responses from nearly 900 participants, focusing on supplement use over the previous year and average sleep in the past two weeks.

The study identified a link between regular use of these supplements and shorter sleep times.

Pre-workout supplements are dietary products marketed to enhance exercise performance and energy levels. They commonly include high levels of caffeine and other stimulants. A single serving can contain between 90 mg and over 350 mg of caffeine, which is more than the approximately 100 mg in a standard cup of coffee or 35 mg in a can of Coke.

The analysis showed that participants who used pre-workout supplements were more than twice as likely to report sleeping five hours or less per night compared to those who did not use them.

This duration falls well below the recommended eight hours of sleep for adolescents and young adults. The findings highlight a potential connection between the stimulating ingredients in these products and reduced sleep.

“Pre-workout supplements which often contain high levels of caffeine and stimulant-like ingredients have become increasingly popular among teenagers and young adults seeking to improve exercise performance and boost energy.”

The study authors noted that inadequate sleep can affect healthy development, mental well-being, and academic functioning. They emphasized the importance of the high caffeine content in contributing to shorter sleep durations. Background on sleep recommendations comes from health guidelines for this age group, underscoring the stakes for overall health.

suggest that pediatricians and family doctors routinely inquire about supplement use among young patients. Harm reduction measures include avoiding pre-workout products 12 to 14 hours before bedtime to mitigate sleep disruption. The study involved gymgoers and assessed self-reported data, providing context on how these supplements, viewed by some as harmless fitness aids, may pose risks to sleep and health.

This research adds to ongoing discussions about dietary supplements and their effects on youth. Affected groups include teenagers and young adults who use these products for workouts. Next steps could involve further studies to confirm causality and broader public health advisories on supplement labeling and education.