Sleep and Muscle Building

...I think some of my problems (with bulking up) may be that I don't get enough sleep. I get 4-5 hours a night on average. I rarely sleep more then 2 hours at a time. I wake up and can't get back to sleep. Could this be a reason for my low weight? (from Deems)

Yes, a lack of sleep can definitely hamper weight gain. Your resting time is when the body actually goes about the business of building muscle. Rest time should be considered even more important to the muscle building process than workout time.

There are also studies showing that a lack of sleep effects hormone levels and your body's tendency to store fat - http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/13d2f2.htm.

Some people have a need for more sleep than others. A variety of factors come into play here, everything from genetics to age. Eight hours is a general time and may be too much for some and too little for others. The important thing is to try and get enough sleep to where you are no longer tired.

Sleep problems are common and experienced by at least half of the population. It can be caused by a variety of factors including everything from stress to the types of food you consume before bedtime.

Check here for some advice on sleeping better.

Another thought is trying ZMA. This is a bodybuilding supplement, a mineral formula, that has been shown to help some with testosterone production. Taken before bedtime, one of its most pleasant side effects experienced by many (including me) is that it makes you sleep very peacefully.

More about ZMA and other vitamins and minerals.

JP Clifford