I’m having one of my regular no sleep nights that hit me once every few weeks or so. Fell asleep at 10:15ish and woke up at 2:30. I guess 4 hours ain’t bad, but sometimes I get as little as 1-2 hours of sleep.

My alarm is set for 5:15am and heavy deadlifts and overhead press is on the docket.

Can my body really improve with a tough workout on so little sleep? Is it a waste of time?

I’m not saying to skip the workout completely. But would it be better to do a light or medium day to burn calories and exhaust myself for sleep the next night?

This post was edited on 12/16/20 at 3:39 am

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Posted by TigerInCbus

Raymond

Member since Feb 2018

361 posts

Posted on 12/16/20 at 4:16 am to StringedInstruments

I think your bigger concern should be getting hurt because you're not going into it 100%.

I would definitely do something light to keep the blood flowing but also keep yourself safe and healthy.

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Posted by Dixie Normus

Earth

Member since Sep 2013

2875 posts

Posted on 12/16/20 at 6:11 am to StringedInstruments

4 hours is enough to where I usually just push through it. 1 or 2 and I’m pushing the workout back a day unless it’s conditioning. Don’t know if that’s right or not, but it’s what I do and I’ve been fine.

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Posted by StringedInstruments

Member since Oct 2013

20907 posts

Posted on 12/16/20 at 7:11 am to Dixie Normus

quote:
4 hours is enough to where I usually just push through it.

I know I can push through it, but I’ve read so much about the importance of recovery that I wonder if it’s worth the pushing. Like am I actually building muscle and strength or just performing at a level I expect to perform at in the gym?

This post was edited on 12/16/20 at 7:12 am

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Posted by Dixie Normus

Earth

Member since Sep 2013

2875 posts

Posted on 12/16/20 at 7:39 am to StringedInstruments

Not sure there’s a positive answer to the question as everyone’s body handles sleep differently imo. I gauge progress by the logbook, and if the logbook shows progress then I’d say you’ve gained. But, that’s just my opinion on it and I could be totally off base. Recovery may be an entirely different matter, but I just don’t know the science on it well enough to say whether it’s worth pushing through or not.

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Posted by Chimlim

Baton Rouge, LA

Member since Jul 2005

17773 posts

Posted on 12/16/20 at 7:49 am to StringedInstruments

Nope. For me, adequate sleep is critical to working out. If I don't sleep well, I skip my workout.

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Posted by Hulkklogan

Baton Rouge, LA

Member since Oct 2010

43482 posts

Posted on 12/16/20 at 8:27 am to StringedInstruments

Everyone's opinion is gonna vary, but I find I have enough trouble with nagging minor injuries and tight muscles even when I get plenty of sleep, so when I don't sleep well I always go easy. Take some weight off the bar, cut reps if you're doing conditioning, etc. Just go get the blood flowing and help you wake up and feel good.

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Posted by DeafJam73

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2010

19122 posts

Posted on 12/16/20 at 9:56 am to StringedInstruments

You can do it, but you have to be smart about it. Don’t try to set any new PRs because ir won’t happen.

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Posted by tenderfoot tigah

Red Stick

Member since Sep 2004

11559 posts

Posted on 12/16/20 at 7:20 pm to DeafJam73

1 day of no rest and I grind through it with a pre-workout or coffee.

No way I would workout with no rest two days in a row. You body still needs to heal from the first day.

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