Is Sleep Good For Muscle Growth?

Published on April 9, 2023.

Is sleep good for muscle growth?

Sleep is vital for muscle growth. When you’re sleeping, your body releases growth hormones. These hormones help you grow muscles because they stimulate protein synthesis. Not only that, these hormones help repair your muscles after a workout. Sleep also helps reduce levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that interferes with muscle growth and has other negative effects. Lack of sleep can cause decreased muscle recovery, impaired muscle protein synthesis, and increased muscle breakdown. All of these have negative effects on muscle growth and also have other negative side effects. You will definitely want to sleep well if you want to grow your muscles.

How much sleep should I get?

The amount of sleep a person needs varies. The majority of adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to be at their best, and teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Young children and infants need up to 14 hours of sleep per day. Having too little or too much sleep has negative effects such as fatigue, decreased cognitive function, increased risk of diabetes, and increased risk of heart disease.

How can I sleep better?

There are several things you could do. One of the most important things you need to do is create a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day regulates your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Another way you can improve your sleep is having a sleep-conducive environment. Keep your room cool, quiet, and dark. Try to avoid using your phone or watching TV in bed because the blue light from those can interfere with your sleep. You can also try meditation or yoga to calm your mind and prepare for sleep. However, speak to a healthcare provider if you continue to have trouble sleeping because you could have an underlying medical condition that requires medical treatment.

Myths about sleeping:

Ok, there are lots of myths about sleeping. A common myth is that sleeping a few hours a night is okay. Adults need a minimum of 7 hours of sleep each night. Another common myth is that snoring is harmless, even though it’s a sign of sleep apnea. Some people also believe that alcohol can help them sleep, but it actually just disrupts your sleep cycle and leads to poorer quality sleep. The final common myth is that you can “catch up” on sleep over the weekend. Yes it will feel good to sleep in, but it shouldn’t substitute for consistent, high-quality sleep.

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Is Sleep Good For Muscle Growth?