Sleep has tremendous effects on your body; appearance, brain and muscles. We all know the saying, "Get your beauty sleep". But sleep can make or break all your efforts at the gym. Scientists have found that 7 hours of sleep is optimal for individuals. Since we are all different that range can vary to upwards of 9 hours.
Getting adequate amounts of sleep allows you to function properly in your daily activities. If you are too tired you won't be able to complete your workout routine. If you do complete it, its probably not at the level you could have if you slept long enough.
Even further, nagging injuries and pains will not be able to heal if you do not sleep long enough. Sleep is the only time your body can solely focus on recharging your body. Even more disturbing, a study from the University of Chicago Medical School found that, "sleep deprivation can lead to increased levels of cortisol (stress hormone), decreased activity of Human Growth Hormone(which is active during tissue repair) and decreased glycogen synthesis".
To break it down your body needs HgH to help in tissue repair. During strength training your muscles break down. Then they repair themselves, heel and get bigger (essentially). If you have no HgH to help you do this you will be hindering that process. In turn, you may not see the greatest results from your strength training. High levels of cortisol may have a similar result, as it effects tissue repair and growth.
During activities your body uses glucose (sugar) for energy. Glycogen is the stored form of glucose. During long endurance activities your body uses glycogen. With less glycogen available you may not be able to exercise for longer than 30-90 minutes(depending on your activity).
No matter what your workout consists of you will have a clearer head and better results when getting enough sleep. Help yourself and make sure to get enough sleep every night.
How many hours do you sleep a night?
Have a fun and fit day, Chicago.
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When I started training I'd get 6, if I was lucky. Though our youngest was 7 months at the time.
As I've gotten more into it and seen success, I get 7-8 hours a night...a WORLD of difference!