When it comes to building muscle, most people focus on training and nutrition but overlook one crucial factor: sleep. Quality sleep is when your body repairs and grows muscle tissue.
How Sleep Affects Muscle Growth
During deep sleep, your body releases growth hormone, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Lack of sleep can reduce testosterone levels and increase cortisol, a stress hormone that can break down muscle tissue.
Recommended Sleep for Athletes
While the general recommendation is 7-9 hours, active individuals and athletes may benefit from 8-10 hours of quality sleep per night to optimize recovery and performance.
Tips for Better Sleep
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule
- Create a dark, cool sleeping environment
- Avoid screens 1 hour before bed
- Limit caffeine intake after 2 PM
- Consider magnesium supplementation
Prioritize your sleep and watch your gains improve!
