There are many reasons why you may want to run a steroid cycle, you could be looking to bulk, cut, or gain strength for example. But then, you may also be wary of the side effects that you may need to combat during and after a cycle.
It is not unusual for prospective steroid users to bombard their mentors, trainers, and/or physicians with a plethora of questions bordering on the risks of steroid use.
And one question on the risk of using steroids that seems to always crop up during discussions is the question around the effect of steroids on sleep quality.
In this guide, we answer this question and provide tips on how you can improve your sleep pattern for optimal recovery.
Anabolic Steroids and Their Impact on Sleep Quality
First of all, it is important to note that there are different types of anabolic steroids and each may have varying degrees of adverse effects on your sleep quality.
For example, corticosteroids are well known to instigate insomnia and this form of steroid is usually prescribed to patients suffering from allergies, arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory induced medical conditions.
Androgenic-anabolic steroids or AAS like anadrol and trenbolone are also known to significantly alter sleep patterns while a steroid like testosterone is widely believed to be comparably less influential on the quality of sleep of users.
When anabolic steroid is used it has an effect on a number of hormones in the body and two notable hormones that are affected by steroid use are the energy boosting adrenaline and stress inducing cortisol hormones.
As you run a steroid cycle, these two hormones may spike to varying degrees in your body leading to disruptions in your sleep patterns. So, essentially these hormones can affect how soon you fall asleep, how long you spend sleeping and/or how soon you wake up from your slumber.
Furthermore, the hormonal changes to your body caused by your steroid use can have a significant effect on your mental health. Steroids are known to cause increased restlessness, anxiety, and in rare cases – depression. These mental health challenges can play a crucial role in how much sleep you get on a daily basis during your steroid cycle.
The good news is your hormones tend to return back to normal at the end of your steroid cycle either unaided or with the help of post-cycle therapy medications.
It is also worth noting that pre-existing health conditions such as thyroid-related ailments are known to disrupt sleep patterns, so you may want to run a full medical before you even commence with a steroid cycle to be sure that you are healthy enough to run your preferred steroid cycle.
How to Improve Your Sleep Quality while Running a Steroid Cycle
Even though anabolic steroids may have an adverse effect on your sleep quality, you can still take steps to improve your sleep pattern.
#1. Go to bed at a specific time of the night
One way to improve your sleep quality while on steroids is to go to bed at a specific time at night. You can schedule your daily night rest at say 9 PM at night. You should try keeping to your proposed time of sleep every night in order to allow for your body to naturally regulate itself to this time for your night’s rest.
#2. Avoid using electronic devices before and during bedtime
Before your scheduled bedtime, you should put down all electronic devices including your mobile phone, video games, and laptop devices. Switch off your television before going to bed and do not leave any electronic device running before or during your bed time.
Electronic devices can greatly affect sleep patterns primarily due to the effects of intense mental stimulation and/or the blue light emanating from the screen of your mobile phone for example.
The blue light can somewhat trick your brain to where it thinks you are still in daytime hours instead of night-time which leads to the sleep hormone (melatonin) being suppressed. So try to steer clear away from electronic devices before bedtime, if you want to improve your sleep quality.
#3. Don’t drink alcoholic or caffeinated drinks before bedtime
Caffeine and alcoholic beverages are known to keep people awake. The effects of coffee which is a popular caffeinated beverage can last for up to 8 hours and caffeine works to disrupt your sleep by blocking adenosine which is a chemical in your body that helps you to fall asleep.
Caffeine will not only stop you from sleeping, but also stop you from achieving deep sleep. In the case of alcohol, you really shouldn’t be drinking alcoholic beverages while on steroids as it could be risky to your overall health.
However, with regards to your sleep patterns, alcohol can cause you to experience poor sleep quality characterised by you waking up frequently at night and low REM or dream sleep.
#4. Consider using supplements to improve sleep patterns
Supplements such as magnesium and melatonin are great for helping users to relax, especially before bedtime. Nevertheless, consult with your physician before using any supplements, especially when you are running a steroid cycle.
#5. Exercise your way to rest
One sure-fire way to fall asleep is to engage in a moderately intense exercise schedule during the day. When you are tired after a long day of workout, you are more likely to go to sleep even without the need for sleeping supplements.
#6. Keep your room cool and sleep inducing
Experts suggest that one way to fall asleep and stay asleep for long hours of the night is to keep your room cool with an ideal room temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit (approx. 18.3⁰C).
In addition to keeping your room cool, you should also keep it dark and quiet before you go to bed, as this encourages good sleep patterns.
You should seek the help of a sleep specialist if you are still unable to get a good night’s sleep after going to sleep at a specific time daily, dropping your electronic devices before bedtime, avoiding caffeine and/or alcohol, using supplements like melatonin or magnesium, and maintaining a decent room environment that promotes good sleep patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Sleep Quality and Anabolic Steroids
Will I experience insomnia from using anabolic steroids?
It is possible to experience insomnia while using steroids, but it is important to note that not all steroids may cause insomnia and people may react differently to using steroids.
Will using anabolic steroids improve my sleep quality?
Generally, anabolic steroids may adversely affect melatonin (sleep) hormone causing you to experience varying degrees of sleep-related difficulties.
Will steroids affect my sleep patterns?
Steroids have an influence on your body’s cortisol level with added stress leading to increased anxiety, restlessness, and sleeplessness.
Is night-time a good time to use steroids?
It is advisable not to administer steroids at night time as this may lead to restlessness and poor sleep patterns. The best time to use steroids is early morning to midday.
Final Thoughts
Before you decide to run any steroid cycle you should try consulting with your physician to get a full medical check up to detect any underlying medical condition that may be detrimental to your short and/or long-term health.
Once you get an all-clear from your physician, you can then seek the assistance of a mentor to help put you on track with your training, recovery, diet, supplementation, steroid cycle, and post-cycle therapy protocol.
You can get such assistance for free here from our cordial resident IFBB PRO consultants.
Remember to avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as possible and to always keep your room cool and dark to encourage sleep.
Finally, workout, eat well (not late) and schedule a time for your night’s rest to enable your body to adjust to a set routine.
