Widely marketed products such as Bang!, Jack3D, and C4 promise energy and performance boosts. But the stimulant-heavy formulas in many of these products can interfere with natural sleep cycles…reports Asian Lite News Desk
A popular fitness trend among teenagers and young adults may be quietly sabotaging their sleep. A new study led by researchers at the University of Toronto has found that young people who use pre-workout supplements are significantly more likely to experience extremely short sleep durations.
The research, published on March 9 and highlighted by Science Daily, draws on data from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Behaviors. It shows that individuals aged 16 to 30 who reported using pre-workout supplements within the past year were more than twice as likely to sleep five hours or less per night compared with those who did not use these products. Health experts generally recommend around eight hours of sleep per night for this age group.
“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,” said lead author Kyle T. Ganson, assistant professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. “However, the study’s findings point to potential risks to the well-being of young people who use these supplements.”
Widely marketed products such as Bang!, Jack3D, and C4 promise energy and performance boosts. But the stimulant-heavy formulas in many of these products can interfere with natural sleep cycles. A single serving may contain anywhere from 90 to more than 350 milligrams of caffeine — compared with around 100 milligrams in a standard cup of coffee or 35 milligrams in a can of cola.
The researchers warn that insufficient sleep during adolescence and early adulthood can affect mental health, physical growth, and academic performance. Those already struggling with rest may see these issues amplified by the stimulant content in pre-workout supplements.
To address the risks, the study team recommends that health professionals, including pediatricians and family physicians, discuss supplement use with young patients. They also suggest practical measures, such as avoiding pre-workout products 12 to 14 hours before bedtime, and promoting awareness of how these supplements can impact overall health.
“Many young people see pre-workout supplements as harmless fitness aids,” Ganson added. “But these findings underscore the importance of educating them and their families about how stimulant-rich products can disrupt sleep and potentially affect long-term well-being.”
As fitness trends continue to grow among younger generations, experts say a cautious approach to pre-workout supplementation may be key to protecting both energy and rest.
