Pre-workout supplements, popular among young adults and adolescents seeking to boost exercise performance, may significantly reduce sleep duration, according to recent findings.
Researchers have found that these supplements often contain high doses of caffeine – ranging from 90 to 350 mg – which is considerably more than the amount found in a typical cola (approximately 35 mg) or even a cup of coffee (around 100 mg).
“These products generally contain high doses of caffeine, ranging from 90 to 350 mg. This represents more than a can of cola containing approximately 35 mg of caffeine and a cup of coffee containing approximately 100 mg of caffeine,” one researcher said.
The study results suggest that using pre-workout supplements may contribute to insufficient sleep, which is critical for healthy development, mental well-being, and academic performance. Individuals who used pre-workout supplements were more than twice as likely to sleep five hours or less per night compared to those who did not. This falls far short of the recommended eight hours of sleep for this age group.
The findings underscore the potential health risks associated with these supplements, particularly the stimulant components that can disrupt sleep patterns and pose risks with regular use. Adequate sleep is essential for overall health, and disruptions can have wide-ranging consequences.
