Steroid Use Linked to Sleep Disturbances, New Canadian and American Findings
Researchers at Oslo University Hospital have identified another drawback of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS): sleep problems. The latest study, published in BMC Psychiatry, adds robust evidence that AAS can disrupt sleep quality among users. The discovery comes as part of a broader effort to understand how performance-enhancing substances affect mental and physical health.
Steroids are synthetic compounds that mimic testosterone. Medically, they may treat delayed puberty and muscle-wasting conditions. Yet outside of clinical settings, AAS are frequently misused to rapidly build muscle mass, a habit common among athletes and bodybuilders. It is well known that steroid medications can trigger a range of side effects, from acne and high blood pressure to sexual dysfunction and mood changes.
While earlier reports hinted at insomnia among steroid users, comprehensive research confirming this association had been lacking. The new study helps fill that gap by systematically comparing sleep patterns between steroid users and non-users.
The study enrolled 126 men who expressed an interest in weightlifting. Sixty-eight had used steroids for at least one year, while 58 comprised a control group with no AAS exposure. Participants completed detailed surveys about sleep quality and the side effects of steroid use and underwent assessments for emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Findings showed that individuals who used steroids experienced notably poorer sleep than those in the control group. Nearly two-thirds of the steroid users reported inadequate sleep after starting AAS. The researchers also noted higher levels of depressive and anxious symptoms among steroid users, aligning with broader concerns about mood disturbances linked to anabolic steroids. The study’s principal author, Sandra Klonteig, summarized the results by noting that poor sleep quality appears to be a common consequence of AAS use. A substantial portion of recent or past steroid users reported sleep problems, and a sizable subset required sleep aids to achieve sufficient rest.
These results contribute to a growing body of evidence about the health risks of sports supplements and performance-enhancing drugs. Medical professionals increasingly caution about potential sleep disruptions and associated mood changes when considering AAS use for athletic purposes. As researchers continue to investigate the long-term consequences, the message remains clear: sleep matters, and misuse of anabolic steroids can erode one of the body’s most essential recovery processes. The insights come from a controlled analysis conducted by researchers at Oslo University Hospital and reflect ongoing concerns about the safety of performance-enhancing substances in men’s health. The study is part of a broader effort to inform health professionals, athletes, and the public about the risks accompanying steroid use. The findings are attributed to the authors and the research team at Oslo University Hospital, whose work continues to shape conversations around sleep health and substance use in athletic populations.
Related posts:
Researchers link long-term heart risk to past anabolic steroid use Older adults and sleep patterns: what recent findings reveal about cognitive health in the US Sleep Apnea and Cognitive Function: What the Latest Research Shows Rewritten Sleep Health Overview for Canada and the US Alicante Arrests Man Over Anabolic Steroid Distribution Linked to Portugal Deliveries Sleep Quality and Everyday Cognition: What Recent Research Reveals Sexual Activity, Sleep Onset, and Perceived Sleep Quality: Insights from a Partnered Context Expanded view on sleep timing and mental health Low-Dose Glucocorticoids in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Short-Term Weight Changes and Blood Pressure Findings Microsleeps in Chinstrap Penguins: Sleep Bursts and Brain Recovery Sleep Patterns, Visceral Fat, and Blood Pressure in Teens Researchers link long-term steroid use to memory effects; implications for treatment and care