I've been trying to get at least 7 hours of sleep every night, but sometimes it feels like it's not enough. I've been waking up feeling groggy and my runs have been suffering. How much sleep do you guys need to feel rested and recovered? Do you prioritize sleep over other aspects of recovery, like stretching and foam rolling?
I need at least 8 hours of sleep to feel like a human being. Anything less and I'm a zombie on the road. I prioritize sleep over everything else, including stretching and foam rolling. If I don't get enough sleep, nothing else matters. My runs will suffer, my mood will suffer, everything will suffer.
8 hours is a good benchmark. I'm still figuring out my sweet spot, but I know I need at least 7.5 hours to feel somewhat rested. If I get less, my runs are sluggish and I feel like I'm just going through the motions. Sleep is key, but I also think it's important to find a balance with other aspects of recovery.
I'm with you, 8 hours is my sweet spot too. Less than that and I'm struggling to get out of bed, let alone go for a run. Sleep is definitely key for me, and I've learned to prioritize it over other aspects of recovery. It's hard to stretch or foam roll when you're running on fumes!