I don't know whether this has been brought up before, but does anyone know what effect's (If any) lack of sleep has on running/exercise. I'v always been told its necessary to get sleep, but i normally manage with just 6 hours a night.
I don't know whether this has been brought up before, but does anyone know what effect's (If any) lack of sleep has on running/exercise. I'v always been told its necessary to get sleep, but i normally manage with just 6 hours a night.
I sometimes struggle at races if it's a very early start. but I don't get much sleep usually
It must affect different people differently. I'm like a sulky 15-year-old if I don't get 8 hours most nights.
Or maybe I'm always like a sulky 15-year-old and I'm just like a tired one without enough sleep.
Ive had some of my best race results off 2 hours sleep.
But I do feel like I've died if I havent had a good nights kip.
Being prone to insomnia I have read up on this subject a bit. Although the theory seems to change quite a bit!!
Firstly everyone has their different optimum. I'm an 8hrs girl but lots of people are 6hrs people. As long as it's no less than 6 hrs on a regular basis as the I believe the body and brain begins to function less effectively then.
It quite often is quality of sleep that matters not quantity (ie, if you are waking up alot 8rs will still leave you tired).
I don't think that a one off nights sleep affects performance but long term sleep deprivation would.
If 6 hrs is good for you go with it!!
That's just what I've come to understand. Could be wrong though!! lol
i work shifts so my sleep patterns are all over the place.
2 weeks ago i was on nights,slept about 5 hours first couple,the runs were tough for the first 20 mins,then came around.had a "power nap"after.towards the end of the week was sleepng for 10 hours!
last week on early starts(about 04.00 to 05.00)ran either dinner time or as soon as home,legs heavy,tendons tight,old injuries to fore.sleeping about 5 hours a night,until end of week when increased to about 8.this week lates(15.00'ish starts until midnight'ish)sleeping about 8 to 10 hours,running for about 60-90 mins,steady.
Unable to do quality work or races unless within my days off.otherwise you can feel parts of your system ready to snap,pull or strain.
you just learn to enjoy steady state running and push it when you feel good.some days power napping works,some it does not.
Generally find anywhere between 8-10 hours works. I don't mind the occasional lack of sleep as long as I have been sleeping well before that night.
I go on the B of the Bang
I work shifts too, and find that a lack of sleep when on the nights bit definitely DOES have an adverse effect! I just don't bother in between night shifts, usually have a good run on the morning I start my nights, maybe a shortish run after a day shift; having a dog helps, cos he's got to be walked anyway.
Most of the longer or harder stuff is done on my days off, when I'll get about 7 hours a night or so. I usually get up and run early, for me it's the best time of day.
I think 8 hours is good.