Hypertrophy Past and Present 026 How does insufficient sleep affect hypertrophy / atrophy?
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Nov 16, 2025 Explore the intriguing world of Bill Pearl's 1957 full-body routine and its connection to the evolution of bodybuilding. Discover how insufficient sleep can trigger muscle atrophy through stress responses and the role of glucocorticoids. Learn why natural lifters face significant muscle loss when dieting while sleep-deprived, unlike enhanced athletes. Gain practical tips on adjusting training strategies during periods of poor sleep and understand the importance of tackling sleep issues before dieting. A fascinating mix of science and practical advice awaits!
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Webinar With Robust Q&A Engagement
- Chris described recent webinars and a live Q&A on preserving muscle during dieting with nearly 500 sign-ups.
- He praised participant engagement and encouraged attending live sessions for Q&A access.
Sleep Loss Triggers Catabolic Stress
- Severe sleep loss triggers a pronounced glucocorticoid (cortisol) stress response that drives muscle atrophy.
- Animal and clinical models link that stress response directly to increased muscle protein breakdown and net loss.
High Turnover Can Still Mean Loss
- Glucocorticoid-driven atrophy shows high turnover: both MPS and MPB rise but breakdown dominates.
- This produces net protein loss despite elevated synthesis used for damage repair.