While many in the medical field are well aware of how factors such as housing, income, and education can interact with an individual’s ability to prevent and treat health problems, far fewer consider lack of adequate sleep to be one of those issues. Getting enough sleep is critical for our bodies to maintain basic health processes, yet millions of people don’t get enough of it. This is not by accident; our modern lifestyle has much to do with it.
The global 24/7 economy, round-the-clock social media use, and night shift work all interfere with our normal sleep cycle. Add in physical problems such as backache, arthritis, and hormonal shifts associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or menopause, and it is no wonder that we have so much trouble falling and staying asleep at the times that our bodies naturally crave it.
As the foundation for life-long health, a good night’s rest is critical for our physical and mental well-being. Adequate sleep ensures that our brains function properly and gives us the energy to perform daily tasks.
Substantial physical development occurs during adolescence, and inadequate sleep can impair that process. Moreover, it can lead to long-term health problems, such as obesity and heart disease.
Among the most severe consequences of inadequate sleep is its impact on mental health. Studies show that when a person doesn’t get enough sleep, they may experience an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
In a new study, researchers from the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work unveiled a concerning link between poor sleep and indications of muscle dysmorphia, an emerging trend among youth. Their investigation, published in the journal Sleep Health, included over 900 adolescents and young adults observed for two weeks to see how their muscle dysmorphia symptoms changed as they got more or less sleep.
Muscle dysmorphia is a type of body image disorder that involves an obsessive desire to have a muscular physique. Those with this condition typically engage in excessive exercise and strict dietary habits to achieve their desired body. They may also be more likely to use dietary supplements marketed to improve workouts, increase muscle mass, or speed up recovery time.
This understudied phenomenon could have significant implications for the protein supplement industry, as it provides individuals with unfettered access to products promising to help them reach their body goals. In the meantime, we must raise awareness of the importance of sleep and empower individuals to prioritize their mental and physical well-being over unrealistic body ideals.
Sleep problems can be corrected through better sleep hygiene and appropriate supplements. The sooner we recognize this connection between poor sleep and muscle dysmorphia, the more we can support the holistic well-being of youth in Canada. This includes promoting awareness, education, and early intervention to empower individuals to choose their healthy habits over unhealthy ones.