When it comes to bodybuilding and fitness, everyone focuses on working out and fixing their diet. However, from people lifting just to stay fit to professional bodybuilders, nearly everyone makes the mistake of ignoring a crucial element, sleep. Recently multiple-time Mr. Olympia-winning coach Hany Rambod talked about it in a video. The arguable GOAT of bodybuilding, seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger has also talked about its importance in the past.

Chris Bumstead’s coach appeared in a video on the Evogen Nutrition Youtube channel. In the video titled, “Does Sleep Affect your gains?” Rambod spoke in detail about the detrimental effects of poor sleep. However, Rambod also spoke about the benefits of good sleep and his advice was very similar to that of Schwarzenegger.

Sleep is the secret to more gains

Recently the entire fitness industry has turned its attention to the benefits of consistent sleep. Former Mr. Olympia Phil Heath’s coach said he instructs people who train for fitness and athletes who are not competing to sleep 7 to 8 hours every night.

According to Rambod if anyone starts sleeping less than 7 hours, will lose their gains. “If you start to slip below that, you will find yourself up at night, snacking, grazing when you’re not supposed to,” said the renowned coach. “You’re also not going to be able to get the maximum recovery,” added the 2022 Mr. Olympia-winning coach, because the body recovers during sleep.

Rambod also said, even the most aesthetic bodybuilders in the world, would suffer if their sleep cycle gets messed up. “You can look amazing,” he said, “but if you don’t get good sleep you look like dog s**t,” said Rambod. The FST-7 founder’s advice echoed that of Arnold Schwarzenegger when he talked about the effect of chronic sleep deprivation.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and his one-hour fix

The 47-year-old coach said those who sleep less than 7 hours consume more calories. Coupled with suboptimal recovery, an athlete suffering from sleep deprivation has a hard time losing fat. However, recently, the Austrian Oak quoted a scientific study that spoke of a one-hour fix. According to the five-time Mr. Universe, people sleeping around 6 to 6.5 hours, need to add one more hour.

Just like Rambod, Schwarzenegger said, the study found those who slept for 7.5 hours, consumed at least 270 calories less than those sleeping 6.5 hours every night. Arnie also highlighted how people suffering from sleep deprivation are at a higher risk of heart failure.

READ MORE | “Likely to Have Cardiovascular Disease”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares Alarming Stats for People With Inconsistent Sleeping Patterns

While our modern lifestyle often encourages us to ditch a good night’s sleep, the downsides to doing so are numerous. In fact, taking both Rambod and Schwarzenegger’s advice into account, ignoring sleep is a mistake no lifter should be making.