The importance of rest/sleep when one is working out a lot....

[cjbate]

Lately I have been curious...how much sleep and/or rest do those of you who workout a lot...6 or 7 days a week...get?

I am wondering about this because all this winter, it seemed like all I could get were 3 workout days in a row, before I'd get yet another cold, flu, stomach flu, or just feel wiped out. At one point it was bronchitis/pneumonia.

This winter was the first time I have been working out in the early AM, and I am just wondering if I was not getting enough sleep at night and this caused all of this (I am a natural night owl and TRY to go to bed "early" but sometimes it just doesn't happen).

(I also have 3 little ones who bring home every germ under the sun).

Thoughts? Reading about Hilary Swank in training being required to get 9 hrs of rest per night made me realize how important sleep/rest is, with regard to results....and also overtraining. I wouldn't have thought my 3 piddly workout days in a row would be considered overtraining, but perhaps combined with not enough rest...? Hm.

Jen

 

[lorajc]

I am probably the wrong person to be answering this. I have insomnia, so I have to sleep deprive myself. If I get 6 hours of sleep a few days in a row, I can't sleep for the next 2 nights. I average only 5 hours a night and sometimes only 4-5. On the weekends, I usually get 6 to 6.5 but then I can't sleep come Sunday evening. I know rest is very important, but I have great difficulty relaxing. I have read that you are ultimately supposed to get 7-9 hours (per individual) for proper muscle repair. I feel good if I get 5.5 to 6.5 hours though. I rarely get sick. I do have a weak stomach and tend to catch stomach bugs easily, but I do not usually get colds or upper respiratory problems.

 

[Dani53]

I know one of my indicators for getting back on the wagon workout wise is insomnia. I know when I am not sleeping well it is because I am slacking too much on the exercise. One good workout and I sleep like a rock! Keep it up and I don't have any trouble passing out at night and wake up refreshed in the morning. So I think rest is not only hugely important, but I think you rest better over all.

 

[tytbody]

I've not yet reached the 6-7 day work out but I sure do love to sleep. heck,I gave up tomorrow night 11-7 shift so I can sleep. It's as important as eating. You must try to get as much as you can. That's when all the changes take place.

Didn't they tell you.. Santa Claus does not come unless you are sleep so, in order to see your presents, you must sleep routinely. I think the more people are working out the more they are sleeping. It has been a fact, one I do believe unmongst the junk is that sleep is vital to your exercise planning, routine, whatever. You get my drift.


~~TyTbody~~
Working towards Perpetual Motion

 

[lala1]

I am a true believer in enough sleep! For me that is 8 hrs. I work out 6 days a week and am training myself to take a week off every few months. It is said all the time "Listen to your body". That is key. If you're sick, rest. Generally if you have a cold you can work out, but if you're sick from the neck down, take a break. And if you are working out while sick, perhaps those 3 workouts are too much at that time. Just my opinion!

 

[WD]

Jen,
I usually try for 8 hrs.. Most of the time it is 7-7.5. When I had my children at home and did daycare I often got 6-6.5. It really does make a difference in my performance. Also if I wake often at night I am not rested and if it happens repeatedly I will usually start to get a cold or some virus. Fortunately when my family is around and they are sick, if I get it it is not as severe and not as long lasting.
Diane Sue

 

[kathryn]

I try to get at least 8 hours per night. When I'm doing an intense weight routine (like P90X or Harcore Gymstyles), I'll up that to 9 hours (and maybe even throw in a nap some afternoons!). I've always needed a lot of sleep (maybe because I'm a Pisces, like Albert Einstein, who supposedly slept 10 hours a day).

 

[hippahips]

I get about 7 hours a night, and that is if I'm lucky. I'm insomniac and there are nights when I just can't sleep. I try to make up for my usual 7 hours by sleeping in during the weekends. Maybe this is why I have a hard time growing muscle. I need to sleep more.

Pinky

 

[benvonwojo]

I workout 7 days a week for 3-4 hours a day and I sleep at least 8 hours if not 9 every night and really well too. Gee must be all htat exercise I do during the day.

 

[macska]

I need my sleep too. I also workout 7 days a week, and I feel pretty good with 8 hours.