The concept of building muscle is based on a formula that includes various different elements. As we are aware, in order to build muscle, you need a proper diet, workout plan, dedication and resilience. However, in today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many bodybuilders tend to undermine the importance of having a good sleep in the process of building lean muscle mass. Even the best fitness strategy cannot replicate the benefits that the prospect of regular sleep can offer in the process of muscle growth. That is why it is imperative to understand why it is important to have a good sleep.
Less Sleep Time – Less Muscle Growth.
The workout part is one of the most important elements in the process of building muscle mass. But in order to be effective, it is imperative to have a good recovery plan. On that note, it is important to emphasize that having a good sleep is one of the main segments in the recovery process. To be more specific, the lack of sleep can slow down the natural recovery process in your body. This is based on the fact that it can slow down the production of the growth hormone. Moreover, the growth hormone is usually released during the sleep at night, so having less sleeping time can result with less growth hormone.
Combined with that, the lack of sleep can also increase the stress hormone cortisol. This can also result with less growth hormone release and decreased natural body recovery. In simple words, you can exercise 7 days a week with the most intense and effective workout plan, but without proper sleeping time, no recovery and growth will occur.
Anxiety
The second notable impact needs to be analyzed through the prism of anxiety. The lack of sleep can cause other multiple issues that can have a negative impact on the process of building muscles. For example, the lack of sleep can cause nervousness, stress, negative thoughts and maybe depression. All of these elements can be a significant barrier for the potential muscle growth. Also, this condition can lead to significant muscle loss and potential health issues. That is why having a good sleep is the best and most effective shield for the process of gaining and maintaining the muscle cells.
Avoiding the Extra Calories
Another important element that needs to be analyzed is the so-called extra calories. To be more specific, many bodybuilders and athletes face the ultimate challenge of controlling their food consummation. In other words, controlling hunger can be a complex process and not many people can actually do it. Sleeping for 4-5 hours per day can result with an increased ghrelin. This element is behind the increased hunger and it is the primary step in the process of consuming those extra calories. Moreover, this compound is even more produced when a person suffers from a lack of sleep. Furthermore, this element can also block the brain cells that acknowledge the satisfaction and fullness after a meal. This is the reason why many bodybuilders and athletes always “feel hungry” even after eating a significant amount of food during the day. The bottom line is, the less your sleep, the more hungry you will feel and that will result with extra calorie intake and ultimately gaining weight and fat.
A Catalyst for Good Health
The lack of sleep can cause several health issues that are hard to ignore. According to Dr Orfeu Buxton that adequate sleep is crucial for a long and healthy life. Moreover, the lack of sleeping time is closely related to diabetes, obesity and overweight. Furthermore, it can initiate other serious conditions such as high blood pressure, heartburns and cognitive decline. That is why the sleeping time is something bigger than any other element in the fitness formula. To be more accurate, the lack of sleep can decrease the overall health of any bodybuilder out there. Being healthy and in a good physical condition is the primary prerequisite for starting the bodybuilding process in first place.
Lack of Sleep – Poor Gym Performance
As we have stated above, the lack of sleep can result in a slow recovery process. Also, not sleeping enough can cause an increased feeling of being tired and exhausted. This condition can result with an increased level of fatigue and ultimately a lack of exercise energy. In other words, not being rested enough will prevent you from reaching your maximum in the gym. Furthermore, it can result in skipping gym days and after a certain period of time, you may notice a lack of interest in going to the gym. Simply said, this state has the potential to take you off from bodybuilding. That is why you need to have a good rest on daily basis. That way you can ensure that you are in a perfect physical condition that will help you to go through the bodybuilding challenges in the process of reaching your fitness goals.
Having enough sleep is one of the key elements in the bodybuilding equation. In the same time, it represents one of the main prerequisites for being able to maintain the demanding tempo of this unique sport. That is why it is important to be aware of these potential negative side effects that the lack of sleep can cause. Maintaining a good sleeping habit can prevent any potential setbacks and can energize the body to grow even more muscle mass and reaching a stellar physical shape. To combat this we suggest utilizing Redcon1 sleep aid Fade Out. It will help you fall asleep fast, and stay asleep, leaving you rested and ready to hit the weights each day.
Chris Hazen | @thechrishazen