It goes without saying that many beginner steroid users would want to ask a series of questions before starting an anabolic steroid cycle, and rightfully so. And one question that always seems to pop up whenever steroid use is discussed is – does steroid use affect sleep patterns? In this post, we will not only answer this question in a nutshell, but also proffer some time tested solutions to help improve your sleep patterns whenever you decide to run a steroid cycle. So without further ado, we start by answering that nagging question that piques the curiosity of most would-be bodybuilders around the world.
Do Anabolic Steroids Affect Sleep Patterns?
Without mincing words, it is safe to say that indeed using an anabolic steroid for bodybuilding can in fact affect a person’s regular sleep patterns. Steroid users can experience trouble falling and staying asleep whenever they’re on a steroid cycle and this is regardless of whether they are on a bulking or cutting regimen.
This reason why steroid use may result in sleeplessness is mainly because the use of steroids can greatly influence how the body naturally produces both adrenaline and cortisol hormones. It is important to note that adrenaline and cortisol hormones are responsible for regulating your cycles of sleep and wakefulness.
In addition to this, steroid use can affect one’s mental health leading to issues of anxiety and restlessness, both of which can seriously disrupt your sleep cycle.
It’s also critical to remember that not all steroids affect sleep in the same way. While some, like testosterone, appear to have little effect, others, including trenbolone, anadrol, and corticosteroids can have a significant negative influence on your sleep pattern.
Corticosteroids, which are frequently recommended in the treatment of inflammatory disorders including allergies, asthma, or arthritis, are notorious for causing sleeplessness in users.
Fortunately, after you stop taking steroids, this adverse effect usually goes away without the use of over-the-counter or prescription medications. After ending a steroid cycle, it may take many months for your hormone levels to return to normal. This is why having a post-cycle therapy plan is highly recommended after steroid use.
Underlying health issues like thyroid-related disease, can also affect your sleep with or without you running a steroid cycle. So even though you end your steroid cycle, you may still experience sleeplessness or insomnia due to your health problems.
How can You get a Good Night’s Sleep if you’re taking Anabolic Steroids
The fact is, there are things you can do to help if you’re on steroids and have difficulties falling asleep.
First of all, make every effort to establish a regular sleep routine. Even on weekends, go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
Before going to bed, stay away from alcohol and/or caffeine, as well as working or using electronic devices just before bedtime or even while in bed.
To aid in promoting relaxation and better sleep, consider taking supplements like melatonin or magnesium before you go to bed. These supplements can promote a restful state and sleep.
Make sure you exercise sufficiently throughout the day, as intense exercise sessions can make you tired and also enhance the quality of your sleep.
Ideally, your bedroom should be 65 degrees Fahrenheit, quiet, and dark before you go to sleep. This room environment is just perfect for promoting a good sleep pattern.
After attempting these suggestions, if you’re still having trouble sleeping well, it is best to consult your doctor and seek potential solutions to your peculiar sleeping problems as soon as possible.
A physician doctor might be able to offer you prescribed medication to aid your desire to sleep well or he or she may make recommendations for a professional who can assist in addressing the underlying diagnosed cause of your insomnia.
Do Anabolic Steroids Cause Sleep Cycle Disturbances?
The most prevalent neurological condition caused by steroids like corticosteroids is sleeplessness, which can also cause psychosis and delirium.
So yes, steroids can keep you awake at night and interfere with your sleep. You should be ready for several sleepless nights if you decide to take them. But it is also worth noting that people react differently to the use of steroids, so while one person’s sleep pattern may be heavily influenced by steroids, another’s sleep cycle may not.
FAQs on Anabolic Steroids and Sleep Patterns
Can Steroid Use cause Insomnia?
Insomnia is one of several common side effects of steroid use. When you have trouble going to sleep, remaining asleep, or obtaining adequate rest, you have insomnia and because they interfere with the body’s normal hormone production, steroids can make you lose sleep.
Can Anabolic Steroid Use Improve Sleep?
No. Steroids do not make you tired. In fact, steroids boost energy, strength, stamina, and endurance levels which basically tells you that steroids offer the exact opposite effect to inactive and sleep.
Do Steroids disrupt Sleep Patterns?
Steroids may greatly influence normal cortisol production in the body and this may cause sleeplessness. Also, steroids are capable of obstructing the body’s normal melatonin production, which is also a hormone that promotes good sleep.
Why shouldn’t you take Steroids at Night?
Steroids shouldn’t be taken at night-time because they may make you sleepless. This is because doing so causes your body to release more cortisol, which keeps you awake by stimulating your neural system.
To avoid too much disruption to your sleep routine, it is best to take steroids in the morning or early afternoon. However, because steroids potentially have adverse effects, you should never take more than the recommended dosage over a specified cycle.
Final Thoughts
Your sleep may be disturbed by steroids. This is due to the fact that steroids can activate your sympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of your “fight or flight” response. Anxiety and sleeplessness may result from this mechanism being triggered by your steroid use.
Serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain are also impacted by steroids. These neurotransmitters are crucial for regulating your sleep cycle and pattern, and can be disturbed by the use of steroids.
There are a few things you can do to improve the quality of your sleep or curb insomnia if you are taking steroids. To start with, you should avoid drinking caffeine and/or alcohol. You should also avoid taking steroids at night or just before your bedtime, as this can greatly affect your sleep since steroids are designed to elevate hormones on your body responsible for boosting your energy levels.
You should also avoid working or even fiddling with your mobile device while in bed. What’s more, it would do you some good to adopt relaxation techniques to help you stay calm, comfortable, and relaxed before you go to bed. This will help you fall asleep without the aid of medications, such as; sleeping pills.
If you have underlying health concerns that could be responsible for your insomnia, you should consult with your physician who may provide prescription medications to help you combat this health concern or recommend experts that could proffer solutions to your health problems. We offer you free consultation if you need more information on steroids and possible side effects today.
