Study Finds Association Between Muscle Dysmorphia and Poor Sleep Health

Ensuring sufficient sleep is crucial for maintaining fundamental health processes in our bodies, particularly during the critical developmental stages of adolescence and young adulthood.

A recent investigation has unveiled a connection between inadequate sleep and signs of muscle dysmorphia, an emerging concern among the youth demographic. Published in the journal Sleep Health, the study encompassed more than 900 adolescents and young adults. For two weeks, participants exhibiting greater symptoms of muscle dysmorphia reported obtaining fewer hours of sleep and encountering difficulties in both falling asleep and maintaining sleep.

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 adverse effects of poor sleep on adolescents and young adults, including heightened negative mental health symptoms.

The study underscores existing concerns, as prior research indicates that adolescents and young adults generally fail to meet the recommended 7 to 10 hours of nightly sleep. Additionally, numerous studies have established a correlation between poor sleep and mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

Ganson and his colleagues’ investigation is groundbreaking as it delves into the association between sleep patterns and muscle dysmorphia, a previously unexplored area. The authors propose that the mechanisms underlying this connection may be multifaceted. For instance, individuals experiencing heightened symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, characterized by intolerance towards their appearance, obsessive thoughts, and body-related anxiety, may suffer from disrupted sleep patterns.

Moreover, some individuals may prioritize physical activity over sleep, engaging in muscle-building exercises during evening hours to avoid interfering with their daily responsibilities. Ganson also highlights the potential impact of dietary supplements and anabolic-androgenic steroids commonly used by individuals with muscle dysmorphia, which can contain high levels of stimulants detrimental to sleep quality.