Store Menu

170lbFat · 02-01-2010, 07:29 AM

So I know that sleeping is a must for building muscle. But what happens when I have a serious case of insomnia? I haven't slept in almost a week and my doctor says that he cannot prescribe anything because I need healthy natural sleep.

He said it will come in due time, and I believe him, but I was just wondering if this will prevent muscle growth? Like, will it have huge impacts on the time I spend at the gym?

LtL · 02-01-2010, 07:38 AM

You will probably find that your gains are slowed and that your energy levels are lower than usual. If you're not properly rested, your gym work will be compromised but don't let that discourage you. Keep pushing as hard as you can and then as soon as your sleep sorts itself out, you should see a BIG difference.

What techniques has your Doc' advised in terms of getting you some sleep?

LtL

170lbFat · 02-01-2010, 08:01 AM

Well, I asked him about medication and if he could recommend anything. But since I am still a student and go to the gym often, he said healthy natural sleep in the best way to go. He also SERIOUSLY recommended against sleeping medications because of something ... I forgot :P

I can feel myself getting a little sleepy after working out, but I'm not at that "knocking out" stage yet. Hopefully this insomnia thing goes away soon, gotta get buff for the ladies :]

EKnight · 02-01-2010, 08:15 AM

How old are you? Melatonin, or a good blend of melatonin (3-5mg), passion flower, valerian and hops could be helpful. -EK

ardsam · 02-01-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 170lbFat

He also SERIOUSLY recommended against sleeping medications because of something ... I forgot :P

Addiction most probably

Doug · 02-01-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 170lbFat

Well, I asked him about medication and if he could recommend anything. But since I am still a student and go to the gym often, he said healthy natural sleep in the best way to go. He also SERIOUSLY recommended against sleeping medications because of something ... I forgot :P

I can feel myself getting a little sleepy after working out, but I'm not at that "knocking out" stage yet. Hopefully this insomnia thing goes away soon, gotta get buff for the ladies :]

When did you last have a week off from training?
Are you performing too much training?
Is your calorie level spot on?

SIASY · 02-01-2010, 09:14 AM

If I hadn't slept in a week then I would lay off any serious lifting, sounds dangerous to me.

I would also see a different doctor, get a second opinion.

Doug · 02-01-2010, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIASY

I would also see a different doctor, get a second opinion.

I agree with that one ^ ^

Normally anyone who is severely out of their sleep patterns the Doctors will normally give 2 weeks of sleeping medication to get the body back into it's normal sleep patterns, thats if there are no other reasons why sleep may be disturbed

Tatooed Lifter · 02-01-2010, 10:36 PM

Are you on any sups?? Alot of preworkout sups have TONS of caffine, and if your sensitive to it that may not help...... I couldn;t move if I had not slept in 2 days,I have pulled 24-30hrs shifts but then I am out for 10 hrs.

I have used "Nightquil" and or tylenol pm for a little better sleep, like sleeping for 6 hrs straight instead of waking up after 3 hrs...... not sure if it good or bad but if I am rested work and working out is usually very good.

Best of luck to you

170lbFat · 02-01-2010, 11:39 PM

Thanks for all the advice guys! Really appreciate it.

I did have my first nap, which was GREAT! I slept a ridiculous 8 hours .... I guess I'm starting to develop bad patterns, but at least I'm sleeping right?

But based on a few posts, I think I'm going to take about a week off of training. Just to get my body back into its normal patterns and other benefits that probably exist.

And on the supplement post, I do take Nitric Oxide and Whey Protein but thats about it. I don't think Nitric Oxide would affect me too much though, mostly because I work out right after school, which is 12:30 and I have a pretty high tolerance for caffeine.

Again, thanks for the help!

02-01-2010, 07:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
170lbFat Just joined M&S Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Caifornia Gender: Male Training Exp: 6-12 Months Current Goal: Build Muscle Photos: 170lbFat's Gallery Posts: 42 Rep Power: 3	Insomnia ... Really bad ... So I know that sleeping is a must for building muscle. But what happens when I have a serious case of insomnia? I haven't slept in almost a week and my doctor says that he cannot prescribe anything because I need healthy natural sleep. He said it will come in due time, and I believe him, but I was just wondering if this will prevent muscle growth? Like, will it have huge impacts on the time I spend at the gym?

02-01-2010, 07:38 AM	#2 (permalink)
LtL NOT ripped, NOT concerned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Reading, UK Gender: Male Training Exp: 3-4 Years Current Goal: More Strength Photos: LtL's Gallery Posts: 13,481 Rep Power: 1725	You will probably find that your gains are slowed and that your energy levels are lower than usual. If you're not properly rested, your gym work will be compromised but don't let that discourage you. Keep pushing as hard as you can and then as soon as your sleep sorts itself out, you should see a BIG difference. What techniques has your Doc' advised in terms of getting you some sleep? LtL __________________ The upper back is to the powerlifter what the bicep is to the bodybuilder.

02-01-2010, 09:14 AM	#7 (permalink)
SIASY M&S Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Nottinghamshire-England Gender: Male Training Exp: 1-2 Years Current Goal: Build Muscle Photos: SIASY's Gallery Posts: 1,009 Rep Power: 69	If I hadn't slept in a week then I would lay off any serious lifting, sounds dangerous to me. I would also see a different doctor, get a second opinion. __________________ Eat hard, Train hard, Rest, Grow Add to a persons reputation by clicking on the green cross on the bottom left of the message, if you appreciate their help.

02-01-2010, 10:36 PM	#9 (permalink)
Tatooed Lifter M&S Elite Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: W I Gender: Male Training Exp: 3-4 Years Current Goal: More Strength Photos: Tatooed Lifter's Gallery Posts: 1,314 Rep Power: 66	Are you on any sups?? Alot of preworkout sups have TONS of caffine, and if your sensitive to it that may not help...... I couldn;t move if I had not slept in 2 days,I have pulled 24-30hrs shifts but then I am out for 10 hrs. I have used "Nightquil" and or tylenol pm for a little better sleep, like sleeping for 6 hrs straight instead of waking up after 3 hrs...... not sure if it good or bad but if I am rested work and working out is usually very good. Best of luck to you __________________ Tatooed Lifter Age 39~feel much younger Maintaining Muscle Trying to Gain Strength Current 5'11" 270 lbs BF 28 ish% Intermediate Lifter--> --[[[[--------]]]]-- --[]----[]-- In the fight on my life, against Mother Nature,Father Time,Evil Step Sister Genetics

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Store Menu

Find Deals

Get Help

Forum

Photo Gallery

Articles Menu

Featured

Authors

Browse Videos

600+ Exercise Videos

Main Categories

Single Muscle Group

M&S Store

Supplement Guides

Ingredient Fact Sheets

Categories

Healthy Recipes

Athlete Profiles

Events

Organizations

Fitness Tools

02-01-2010, 08:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
170lbFat Just joined M&S Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Caifornia Gender: Male Training Exp: 6-12 Months Current Goal: Build Muscle Photos: 170lbFat's Gallery Posts: 42 Rep Power: 3	Well, I asked him about medication and if he could recommend anything. But since I am still a student and go to the gym often, he said healthy natural sleep in the best way to go. He also SERIOUSLY recommended against sleeping medications because of something ... I forgot :P I can feel myself getting a little sleepy after working out, but I'm not at that "knocking out" stage yet. Hopefully this insomnia thing goes away soon, gotta get buff for the ladies :]

02-01-2010, 08:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
EKnight Drinks Milk Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: In Liz's lovin' arms! Gender: Male Training Exp: 10-20 Years Current Goal: Performance Photos: EKnight's Gallery Posts: 5,526 Rep Power: 0	How old are you? Melatonin, or a good blend of melatonin (3-5mg), passion flower, valerian and hops could be helpful. -EK

02-01-2010, 11:39 PM	#10 (permalink)
170lbFat Just joined M&S Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Caifornia Gender: Male Training Exp: 6-12 Months Current Goal: Build Muscle Photos: 170lbFat's Gallery Posts: 42 Rep Power: 3	Thanks for all the advice guys! Really appreciate it. I did have my first nap, which was GREAT! I slept a ridiculous 8 hours .... I guess I'm starting to develop bad patterns, but at least I'm sleeping right? But based on a few posts, I think I'm going to take about a week off of training. Just to get my body back into its normal patterns and other benefits that probably exist. And on the supplement post, I do take Nitric Oxide and Whey Protein but thats about it. I don't think Nitric Oxide would affect me too much though, mostly because I work out right after school, which is 12:30 and I have a pretty high tolerance for caffeine. Again, thanks for the help!