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Posted by u/nurse_in_the_gym·

6 hrs vs 8 hrs of sleep, what changed in my training?

TL;DR: Noticing a big difference in my lifts with 6 hrs vs 8 hrs of sleep. Anyone else experienced this?

I've been tracking my sleep for a while now, and I've noticed a significant difference in my lifts depending on whether I get 6 hours or 8 hours of sleep. When I hit 8 hours, my energy levels are through the roof, I feel focused, and I can push myself harder during my workouts. But on those 6-hour nights, I feel sluggish, and my lifts take a hit, my PRs seem just out of reach.

Is it really just sleep duration that's impacting my performance, or is there more going on? I know that deep sleep is crucial for recovery and muscle growth, so maybe I'm just not hitting that sweet spot with shorter sleep. For those of you who lift and track your sleep, have you experienced similar shifts? What do you do to optimize your recovery if you can't get a full 8 hours? Let's discuss!

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u/weekendwarrior88·

If you're struggling to get a full 8 hours, maybe try some naps or a more consistent sleep schedule. Even a 20-30 minute nap can help with recovery and energy levels. Just don't go crazy with it!

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u/recipequeen44·

It's interesting to think about the quality of sleep versus quantity. Sleep hygiene, like dark rooms and no screens before bed, can really help you maximize the sleep you do get. Also, consider your meals; having a good evening snack can promote better sleep.

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u/saltyngl·

Sleep is crucial, no doubt. I usually aim for 8 hours, but if I get less, my lifts feel heavier, and my focus just isn't there. Ever since I started tracking my sleep, it's been clear that less sleep means weaker performance.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

Sleep is just as important as protein, fr. I mix sleep tracking with my fitness goals. It's helped me see how recovery correlates with my energy levels in the gym.

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u/creatine_supremacy·

This is wild! Sleep is so underrated in the lifting world. Science shows that lack of sleep can totally screw with your testosterone levels and recovery. Try adding some creatine if you want to maximize those PRs.

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u/powerliftingguy_99·

Facts! I've definitely felt the same way when I don't get enough sleep. My squats feel like I'm lifting a truck instead of a barbell. Gotta prioritize that shut-eye.

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u/grumpy_gains·

Honestly, sleep is the easiest thing to overlook. I've been in a rut after too many late nights and realized my lifts were off. Make sleep a priority, and you might find those PRs within reach again.

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u/fearlessfemale_99·

8 hours is where the magic happens! I once pulled a 10-hour sleep night and crushed a workout like never before. You're not alone in this; we all want those gains

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u/powerliftingguy_99·

I totally feel you on that! I've noticed my 1RM drops significantly after a few nights of poor sleep. Just the other week, I missed a PR attempt after only getting 5 hours. Never underestimate sleep!

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u/fearlessfemale_99·

I'm all about lifting heavy and smashing PRs! I try to get at least 8 hours, but I've been there with the 6-hour nights. It's rough, and I feel sluggish too. Just gotta grind through sometimes.

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u/weekendwarrior88·

As someone who juggles work and lifting, I get it. If you can't hit 8 hours, try napping! Just 20-30 minutes can help with alertness. I've made it work on busy days.

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u/midwest_lifter·

Ever thought about how stress affects sleep too? If your mind's racing, that 8 hours might not be as restful. Try some breathing exercises before bed. They can really help calm you down

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u/eating_for_strength·

Don't forget about nutrition too. You could be missing out on vital nutrients that support recovery. A balanced meal before bed could help optimize sleep. Aim for proteins and healthy fats.

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u/recipequeen44·

To optimize recovery, focus on your sleep hygiene. Make your room dark, cool, and quiet. Avoid screens an hour before bed. These small changes can help improve sleep quality a lot.

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u/recomping_rebel·

Honestly, if you're getting less than 7 hours, you might as well be lifting with one hand. I've been experimenting with melatonin, and it really helps me fall asleep faster on rough nights.

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u/mostly_lifting·

I totally relate! I've missed PRs after a bad night's sleep too. It really shows how much recovery affects our performance. Focus on those rest days as much as lifting.

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u/macro_counter98·

If you can't hit 8 hours consistently, focus on your macros. Making sure you're fueling your body right can help with energy levels during those 6-hour nights. Protein and carbs before bed work wonders.

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u/eating_for_strength·

Sleep is crucial for recovery, but I also focus heavily on nutrition. If you're not fueling your body properly, it can affect your performance too. Try meal prepping and make sure you're hitting your macros. It's a game changer for recovery.

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u/creatine_supremacy·
  1. Sleep is like the underrated supplement for lifters. Also, did you know that creatine can help with recovery? Combine that with good sleep, and you'll see even better gains. Just sayin'.
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u/caffeine_and_curls·

This hits hard! I noticed my lifts lag on sleep-deprived days too. I started drinking chamomile tea before bed, and it made a world of difference. Sometimes it's the small changes that help.

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u/nurse_in_the_gym·

Sleep impacts recovery and performance, for sure. But don't forget hydration and nutrition play a role too. If you're not getting enough protein or water, that could also affect your lifts.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

Same! Balancing school and lifting is tough, but I find that focusing on my sleep really helps my performance. It's all about finding that balance between studying and recovery

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u/grumpy_gains·

Lol, I used to think sleep was for the weak. Now I'm like, how do I get more? Recovery is everything, and less sleep just means more time feeling like a potato. Hit that REM, people!

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u/saltyngl·

I'm not convinced it's just sleep. Sometimes it's about how hard you push yourself during your sessions. If you're not giving your all, no amount of sleep will fix that.

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u/gymratbutchill·

Naps are a lifesaver! I'm a college student, and between classes and lifting, I rely on power naps to recharge. They can really help when you're short on sleep.

1
u/sweaty_warrior·

Prioritize your mental health too. Sometimes stress can mess with your sleep. Try meditating before bed if you're having trouble sleeping. Your lifts will benefit from a calmer mind.

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u/midwest_lifter·

I joke around, but sleep is real work! My buddy swears by a 9-hour sleep schedule. I'm thinking of trying it. Lifting should be a well-rounded effort, including rest!

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u/mostly_lifting·

i can relate! My PRs took a dive when I started working late. I just had to schedule sleep like any other workout. Rest is part of the plan, you know?

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u/macro_counter98·

For me, those 6-hour nights can lead to feeling unfocused. If I have a busy week, I just try to manage my time better so I can catch up on sleep when I can.

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u/recomping_rebel·

I've experienced similar shifts in my training. I try to track both my sleep and how I feel during my workouts. Those 8-hour nights just hit differently. It's a whole vibe!

4
u/squat_to_pizza·

Skill issue. Get more sleep, lift more weights. It's like a cheat code for gains. Just don't forget your pre-workout memes while you're at it.

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u/zoning_in_on_fitness·

You're spot on with the deep sleep. Studies suggest that deep sleep is crucial for muscle recovery. Try winding down with some light stretching or yoga before bed to improve your sleep quality.

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u/sweaty_warrior·

You know what helps? A good nighttime routine! Wind down before bed with some light stretching or yoga. It'll help you get that quality sleep you need.

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u/zoning_in_on_fitness·

Sleep duration is a piece of the puzzle, but quality matters too. You could be in bed for 8 hours but only getting a few cycles of deep sleep, which is what actually helps recovery. Consider tracking sleep stages if you haven't already, it might reveal some insights.

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u/saltyngl·

Yeah, I feel you on this one. Last week I pulled a 5 lb PR on deadlifts after a full 8 hours. Missed my lifts the day I only got 6 hours. Coincidence? I don't think so.

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u/nurse_in_the_gym·

For sure, sleep is a big player in recovery. As a nurse, I see how lack of sleep affects people's health in so many ways. Prioritize your sleep, or you'll pay for it later.

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u/gymratbutchill·

Haha, totally! I feel like a zombie on 6 hours. Also, my lifts suck. Seriously, try to get 8 and see how much better u feel. Chill vibes, better lifts.

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u/squat_to_pizza·

Skill issue! Just kidding, but seriously, sleep is huge. I've missed my goals too, and sometimes it really is just about getting those extra Zs. It's the little things that add up!

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