Harder workout = need more sleep?...

maserati185

I've built up a decent level of endurance this past year and now doing lengthy runs and high resistence workouts. I'm eating back most of my calories - including protein and carbs - but I've noticed I'm starting to feel pretty tired, overall and not as sharp in conversation as I usually may be. I'm getting around 6-7 hours of sleep at night, but I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I need more like 8-9. Anyone found they needed more nightly sleep with more intense burns?

scottb81

Yes. Most of the recovery happens when you sleep. Eight or more hours is ideal.

addisondisease

If you are taking your training seriously, then you will also take your relaxation/sleep seriously. Just because you've worked out your cardio or strength doesn't mean that your CNS doesn't need a break as well.

feisma

SLEEP = GOOD ....more sleep is always good so you can recharge and bring it again the next day!

mmapags

Short answer is yes. This is particularly true for a couple of days after distance runs and high intensity strength training. You break your body down and stressed it and you need to let it recover and rebuild. The recovery and rebuilding is jsut as important as the breaking it down and stressing through exercise. They are both part of the same equation for fitness. 8 to 9 hours.