
10
Sleep – The Hidden Weapon in Your Training
We often talk about training, nutrition, and supplements when it comes to getting stronger, faster, and healthier – but one area most people still overlook is sleep. I’ve seen it with clients, and I’ve felt it myself. You can smash the gym, run your miles, and nail your macros – but if you’re not sleeping properly, you’ll hit a wall.
What can good sleep do for you?
Here’s what quality sleep can do for your training:
Faster recovery – Deep sleep releases growth hormone, repairing muscle tissue and speeding up recovery between sessions.
Better strength gains – Research shows that athletes sleeping 8+ hours improve strength and power more than those who cut it short.
Improved endurance – Studies on runners and team sport athletes show performance drops by up to 20% when sleep is restricted.
Sharper focus – Poor sleep slows reaction time and reduces coordination, which makes training sloppier and riskier.
Hormone balance – Consistent sleep keeps testosterone and cortisol in check – two hormones that play a massive role in fat loss, recovery, and muscle building.
How can you have a better sleep life?
Stick to a routine – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (yes, even weekends).
Cut screens before bed – Blue light from phones and TVs delays melatonin production, the hormone that helps you drift off.
Cool, dark room – The body sleeps best in a slightly cooler room with no light creeping in.
Limit caffeine & alcohol – Both wreck sleep quality even if you fall asleep fast.
Consider supplementation – Magnesium, ZMA, or natural blends can help the body switch off and recover deeper.
The bottom line
If you want better results in your training – whether that’s in the gym, on the road, or out on the trails – start with sleep. It’s free, it’s natural, and it’s the most powerful recovery tool you’ll ever have.