Just how important is sleep when trying to build muscle/strength?

[Bob_Sacamano]

Hello,

So I've been weight training for about 16 weeks now. I've made some good progress in terms of strength for example I usually dumbell bench press. I started with the 60 pounds dumbells now up to 80-85 pounds. I eat a lot and generally healthy meals, however I barely sleep.

I have chronic insomnia, tried every drug you can name of and nothing helps (or they help and I quickly build tolerance to them). I usually get a few hours of very disrupted sleep a night ( sleep at about 5 am wake up 8-9ish but wake up many time in between).

Strength wise I am going OK but in terms of size. Still looking quite small.

 

[Twizzle]

Have you sought medical advice ?

 

[SpaceMonkey]

Sleep is really important for your overall health. That said different individuals require different amounts of sleep, so whats normal for you may not may the same as someone else. However your sleep patterns sound far from ideal for anybody- I'd definitely seek some medical advice re it as getting better sleep will likely improve your overall quality of life a lot.

 

[Bob_Sacamano]

I have. I see my GP regularly (she's given up now) and used to see a psychiatrist. I had depression and anxiety and every year my sleep got worse amd worse.

I often feel very very tired and I am extremely angry/agitated person nowadays because of this poor sleep pattern.

I have tried. Valium, Serepax, Temazapem, Zypraxa, Seroquel and Mertazapine.

I read about the blue light and low melatonin levels so i am looking for cheap glasses that block blue light now.

But am I wasting my time trying to increase muscle mass with this kind of sleep?

 

[bileduct]

Wow, Zyprexa Olanzapine used to put me to sleep in about 20 minutes, and then I'd wake up 24 hours later.

 

[miguel de cervantes]

I think you need to see a sleep specialist. Ask your GP or find a better one. It would surely be worth the outlay, a much higher priority than muscle mass increase.

 

[dubo]

I have. I see my GP regularly (she's given up now) and used to see a psychiatrist. I had depression and anxiety and every year my sleep got worse amd worse.

I often feel very very tired and I am extremely angry/agitated person nowadays because of this poor sleep pattern.

I have tried. Valium, Serepax, Temazapem, Zypraxa, Seroquel and Mertazapine.

I read about the blue light and low melatonin levels so i am looking for cheap glasses that block blue light now.

But am I wasting my time trying to increase muscle mass with this kind of sleep?

Gee you've been dealt a harsh one Bob. Don't give up, find another Doctor and get a referral to a specialist (sleeping expert). It could be a medication you are taking or even diet. Don't give up the exercise. I had a friend with a similar problem who went to a naturopath and had noticeable success. He had some deficiency I can't recall what it was.

 

[SpaceMonkey]

But am I wasting my time trying to increase muscle mass with this kind of sleep?

No, keep at it. But improving your sleep will help in a lot of ways. What kind of exercise routing are you doing for gaining mass? One thing I found when I was doing a simple 3x5 barbell strength gaining routine (something like Starting Strength or similar) was I'd always sleep a lot better after lifting in the evening- heavy squats are really draining and resulted in me getting excellent sleep.

 

[Lambretta]

Stress is a bitch when trying to sleep

I have terrible sleep patterns getting by on between four and six hours per night
But that said I sleep much better when I am not working during the week

Do you have a stressful job? If so, can you consider a career change?

Also there are long term sleep issues caused by long term alcohol or pot use. If you self medicate to try and get sleep you could be exacerbating things.