Muscles Grow At Rest - Signs You Could Have a Sleep Disorder That Is Affecting Your Gains In The Gym

Proper rest and recovery is vital to growing bigger muscles. Outlined below are the four principles of proper rest and recovery.

• Rest. Muscles grow when you rest, not when you workout.
• Sleep. Growth hormone is released when you sleep which builds muscle.
• Drink Water. Avoiding dehydration helps muscle recovery.
• Eat. You can't grow bigger unless you're in a caloric surplus

Two of the four principles of rest and recovery are "rest" and "sleep". Which means you need to take proper rest in-between training days, but more importantly, you need to get enough sleep during the night. That being said, lack of sleep for any reason could be affecting your gains in the gym! Below are 5 signs that you could have a sleep disorder:

1. You Wake Up Tired - If you get a good night's sleep but still feel groggy and tired it could be signs of a sleep-cycle disorder where your body does not enter the deep stages of sleep.
2. You Snore - Snoring is a sign of sleep apnea - some people with sleep apnea get their sleep cycles disrupted and never fully rest at night.
3. Sleeping or Nodding off During The Day - If you start to doze off while reading or driving it could be a pretty good sign you're not getting enough sleep.
4. Insomnia (Can't fall asleep)
5. Depression or some other health problem/pain keeps you from sleeping - talk to a doctor

Having a sleep disorder is more than someone simply lying restless in bed all night long. You could be awake for hours, waking up from sleep apnea or lying awake with chronic pain. Whatever the issue is, if you suffer from any of the signs outlined above, it is best to talk to your physician. How you function during the day (not to mention your gains in the gym) will thank you!