Should We Workout Even If We Slept Less Than 6 Hours?

Should We Workout Even If We Slept Less Than 6 Hours?

By Vajr Verma,Fittr Coach

⭐We know that life gets busy – whether it’s late-night work, social events, or hours of scrolling on phone – and often, sleep is the first thing that gets sacrificed.
Sleep plays a crucial role in everything we do, including how effective our workouts are. The recommended 7 to 9 hours of sleep isn’t just a random number. It’s the amount needed for our bodies to recover and perform optimally. But when we’re not getting that, should we still push ourselves at the gym?

Understanding Sleep Stages:

Sleep isn’t just a simple “off” switch for our bodies – it’s a highly organized process that occurs in stages, and each stage plays a unique role in recovery:

NREM Stage 1: Light sleep, where we start to doze off. Our muscles relax, but it’s easy to wake up at this point.

NREM Stage 2: Deeper relaxation. Heart rate slows, body temperature drops, and our brain starts preparing for the restorative work ahead.

NREM Stages 3 & 4 (Deep Sleep): This is where the magic happens. Our bodies repair muscle tissues, boost immune function, and strengthen bones. We can think of it like servicing our car after a long drive – necessary for keeping everything running smoothly.

REM Sleep: This is where our brain steps in. REM sleep helps consolidate memories, process emotions, and fine-tune brain function. It’s also where dreams occur.

⭐A full sleep cycle lasts about 90 minutes, and we typically go through 4-6 cycles per night. If we sleep less than 6 hours, we’re cutting into this critical process – especially the deep sleep stages where our bodies recover physically.

The Effects of Less Sleep on Our Workout

⭐When we sleep less than the ideal amount, the first thing we’ll likely notice is how sluggish and heavy our bodies feel. Once in a while, training in this state can be okay as our willpower & caffeine will push through. But on a daily basis? That’s where we run into trouble.

⭐Sleep deprivation affects our coordination, strength, and endurance. Less sleep means our bodies’ ability to recover is compromised, making us more prone to injury.

Is Training Still Worth It?

⭐This brings us to the big question: Should we train when we haven’t slept enough? Here’s the thing – training in suboptimal conditions is better than not training at all, but only if it’s actually benefitting us. If we’re feeling so exhausted that our form suffers or our energy is too low to give our workout the focus it needs, we’re better off skipping the intense session and opting for lighter activities like walking or yoga for that day.

Can Naps Help?

⭐So, what about naps? Can a quick snooze make up for lost sleep? Unfortunately, while naps can give us a short-term energy boost and improve alertness, they aren’t a substitute for the full restorative benefits of a proper night’s sleep. Naps typically don’t allow us to enter the deeper stages of sleep where our bodies do the hard work of muscle repair and recovery. They’re a helpful tool to keep us going but won’t make up for chronically missing out on sleep.

Long Story Short:

⭐If our bodies are sluggish and heavy, skipping the gym might be the best choice to avoid injury and burnout. But if it’s just a one-off and we feel up for it, a lighter session could be worth it. The key is balance – listen to our bodies, and don’t let a lack of sleep become the norm. Our long-term results depend on both quality sleep and consistent exercise.
Our body “needs” sleep. Got questions? ask me anytime!

By Vajr Varma

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