natural growth hormone

[Over46andFit]

Hi all. A year or so ago I read an article (sorry I can't remember where) that we produce our maximum growth hormone during the first 4 hours of sleep at night so I started taking a low carb protein shake ( and l-glutamine) before bed.
It seems to have produced more effective gains.

It occured to me that if I were to sleep for a brief time following a workout I might experience similar gains, as well.
Recently, in the last month I've started napping for an hour or so after my weekend workouts and I seem to be gaining more muscle size very rapidly. It does seem to be effective.

Has anyone else had similar experiences?
Thanks.

[Over46andFit]

Sorry, I forgot to add that I'm taking a protein shake before and after my saturday and sunday morning workouts. The one before has creatine and I take it with Multi-vitamins, l-glutamine and Menthoxy Factor HP.

Jim

[Original Poster]

Over46andFit,

Sounds interesting. I agree that creating the right envirornment
for growth is what is all about and quality rest is a huge part of it. I have one question though.

How can you sleep right after a workout ?

I am so pumped both mentally and physically, that I can't sleep for at least 2 hrs after. I get an incredible endorphan rush from my workouts. Sure i'm spent, but No Way can I sleep right away.

[Over46andFit]

Chi_town,
You're correct, it's very difficult for me, as well. It's a 20 minute ride home from the Gym. After a hot shower, I have a protein shake or occasionally 3 boiled eggs with wheat toast then I lay down. It usually takes 30 minutes or more to fall asleep and I set the alarm for 1-2 hours.
It really seems to be affecting my muscle growth. As an example, my maximum machine press was 3 plates a month ago. I'm now beginning my sets with the first at 4 plates. That's 4 plates on each side of the bar!
Jim

[Richie]

i think this is perfect if you have the opputunity. i work afternoon shift and train in the morning around 9:00am. after my workouts i'll have my creatine (which i've started using lately) and a pure whey shake in water then when i get home i shower,prepare all my food for work then eat a substantial meal (protein & carbs) then around 1:00 lie down and rest until about 3:00 when i get up and go to work. this nap in the afternoon is fantastic for revitalising your body & your brain as i seem to shut out the first half of the day (the bodybuilder) and begin the second half (the worker). it's like starting your day twice and if i don't get that nap in the afternoon whatever i'm doing i start to feel tired around this time so i think once you've trained your body to fall asleep or give it rest at a certain time then it starts to crave it.i don't need as much sleep at night either,usually around 5 or 6 hrs if i'm lucky.Richie

[drew]

Geez guys, Im only 21 and you are making me feel old.....

After a workout, Im pretty winded and once I get something to eat....BAM, Im ready to pass out like a baby. I don't always get to take a nap though.

[Original Poster]

Well guys,

Sounds like the nap is a good idea. I just wish my daily schedual would allow me to try one on a regular basis.

SLEEP WELL !!!

And yes drew, we are old on this part of the board.
But wisdom does come with age. Just like with wine, sure there are a few good expensive younger wines, but most are AGED to PERFECTION. Coniac and scotch are the same way.

"Over Age 35" - Smarter, Faster, Leaner, Stronger than when I was 25.

[Charlie-Brown]

It's been awhile and my mind is a little groggy, but if I remember correctly, goji berries are one of the only foods that naturally increase growth hormone production in the human body.

Actually, the article I read said it was the ONLY food that naturally increased the production of growth hormone in the body -- but I'm skeptical of that "only" claim.

Hope this helps!

[IronCharles]

I take at least an hour nap every day. Have for many years.

There are studies that say taking large daytime doses of melatonin encourages your body to produce growth hormone. More than one company has taken advantage of this information and are pushing supplements with melatonin now. (MuscleTech Cryotest is the most prominent that I can think of.)

If you Google "melatonin growth hormone" you can find several of these studies. Besides my daily nap, I also take a melatonin tab before bed to help me sleep. My muscle gains have been above average, and I believe the nap has a great deal to do with it. But of course, that's just anecdotal evidence, I won't be foolish and say "take a nap and you'll get huge", because I am not qualified to say what will definitely work for others.

[Richie]

I take at least an hour nap every day. Have for many years.

There are studies that say taking large daytime doses of melatonin encourages your body to produce growth hormone. More than one company has taken advantage of this information and are pushing supplements with melatonin now. (MuscleTech Cryotest is the most prominent that I can think of.)

If you Google "melatonin growth hormone" you can find several of these studies. Besides my daily nap, I also take a melatonin tab before bed to help me sleep. My muscle gains have been above average, and I believe the nap has a great deal to do with it. But of course, that's just anecdotal evidence, I won't be foolish and say "take a nap and you'll get huge", because I am not qualified to say what will definitely work for others.

IronCharles, Do you find that Melatonin makes you groggy in the morning? I think i remember reading this somewhere.

I train first thing in the morning so this is the only reason i haven't used it.

Richie

[Arlecchino]

wow strong bump

[Richie]

wow strong bump

Yep, i just read my original post. I didn't even know how to put spaces between my paragraphs then.

[IronCharles]

IronCharles, Do you find that Melatonin makes you groggy in the morning? I think i remember reading this somewhere.

I train first thing in the morning so this is the only reason i haven't used it.

Richie

My experience is that it only makes me groggy for about 3 hours after taking it. And the sleepiness is very linear, meaning it is at it's peak a few minutes after taking it, and tapers off from there.

[chodan9]

well it is almost Halloween

zombie threads will appear

[J.Ho]

I wish I could just get decent sleep at night... I hit the hay around 11:30 PM EST. I sleep great until about 2 AM.. then have to pee, then it's kinda a roller coaster ride... wake at 4 AM, wake at 5 AM, wake at 6 AM... alarm @ 6:15 am...

I hope this isn't killing all my gains. I can personally only sleep so much. Never been an over-sleeper. Never can sleep more than 6 hours straight my whole life (except back in the drinkin' party days!)