How little sleep is too little?

[Liftbig]

i get at least 6 hours at a time, thats the minimum for me. i prefer to have 8-9 hours at night, plus a 1-2 hours nap during the day if i can squeeze it in. try taking some extra zinc and magnesium before bed time. it helps me relax, and wake up more refreshed then when i dont.

 

[Gigantasor]

I have been working my ass off but I sleep horribly at night. I don't know if I ever really fall asleep and I wake up tired all the time. Like most people I work a normal 8 hour day and on the weekends th, fr, sat I work nights as well in a dumb ass bar filled with smoke.

Anyhow, I don't think Im getting enought sleep to accomplish my goals. I know that sleep is absolutley necessary to grow and recover so my question is two fold. First how much sleep is required? Is it based on the individual or is there a standard bench mark? Second, is there any way around this?

Probably a lame question but I am starting to get concerned about the lack of sleep. Have to work to put food on the table for the family but damn this is getting rediculas.

Thanks for the input.

 

[IronLion]

Sleep is relative to the amount of recovery your body needs to make and your hormonal levels ect. That being said more is better, if you can get away with it try for 8-10 hours. As far as the club goes, I know how you feel. I worked in that environment for a couple years and I had a terrible time making good progress, mainly because of my schedule being all screwed up, being on my feet and inhaling a pack of second hand smoke every night. I quit the night gig and have been feeling much better and getting stronger ever since.

 

[SofaGeorge]

I have had times when projects wre popping and I was only sleeping an hour or two a night for a couple weeks.

The question of "how much sleep" needs to be qualified with: for what purpose and for how long?

For optimal bodbybuilding - what ever you need.

It's a myth that the body does its recovery while you are asleep. The majority of recuperation happens during waking hours.

 

[Gigantasor]

Ironliion,

I can believe that man. If it weren't for the cash every week I would be gone is seconds. I think I gonna get lung cancer in there.

 

[Gigantasor]

SofaGeorge,

Is that legit? Does the body really recoup durring waking hours? How is that if you are still working the parts even a little bit? Either way it is encouraging to hear.

Thanks man.

 

[CipherLock]

It's a myth that the body does its recovery while you are asleep. The majority of recuperation happens during waking hours.

I assume you mean that it does all of it's recovery while the body is asleep. Does it do the majority?

Either way would you please post some links to the studies?

Much thanks.

 

[juiceddreadlocks]

my night job sure affects my training and diet. I feel like i can watch myself shrink on some nights when im working

 

[casualbb]

It's a myth that the body does its recovery while you are asleep. The majority of recuperation happens during waking hours.

Good call. People are awake at least 2/3 of the day. Therefore most recovery does occur during the day. Heck, it's not like your body hits the magic "recovery" switch when you fall asleep, it's an ongoing process.

 

[IronLion]

Sorry I am going to have to stay with the theory that muscles regenerate themselves much faster and more gh is released during alpha sleep. Plus the difference between not sleeping and sleeping plenty on the cns is huge.