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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics
Diet
Working out hard but not seeing any results? Improper sleep might be the missing link.
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Muscles don’t grow in the gym only; they grow while you sleep. Recovery time is the actual muscle gain time.
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For adults aiming for muscle gain, 7.5 to 8 hours of quality sleep is essential.
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Your body releases growth hormone, repairs muscle fibers, and rebuilds strength during deep sleep.
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Less than 6 hours can reduce testosterone, increase cortisol, and impair protein synthesis.
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Deep sleep (Stage 3) and REM sleep are vital for muscle repair and cognitive recovery.
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Keep your room dark, avoid screens 1 hour before bed, and maintain a fixed sleep schedule.
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Short power naps, for about 20–30 minutes, can help aid recovery if nighttime sleep is less.
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Melatonin or magnesium glycinate can help if you struggle with quality sleep, but consult with your doctor.
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Overtraining, caffeine, and stress can disrupt sleep. Balance your workout and wind-down routine. Lift heavy, eat well, but sleep smarter to maximise your muscle growth.
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