The body does more work when you're a sleep than you make think. During your visits to the land of nod the real work takes place.
While you're asleep the body is repairing, rebuilding and strengthening. Your muscles are adapting to the stress of exercise and replenishing depleted energy stores and fixing damaged tissues.
But how long does this process take? How much sleep do you need to recharge your batteries?
Tony Strudwick, Manchester United's head of sport science, is the man responsible for making sure the Red Devils' multi-million stars get the right amount of shuteye.
To find out what he has to say about sleeping yourself sharp for football watch this video.
Tony Strudwick was talking at Leaders in Performance, part of Leaders in Football. For details on 2011’s conference, click here.
Also see:
Manchester United: Fuel for football
Stay sharp with Manchester United
Drive with Darren Fletcher's engine
‘After Manchester City’s recent form, maybe they’re the underdogs against Manchester United!’ Former Red Devils defender on this weekend’s derby
‘Arteta, Alonso, Emery, me… none of us were physical players – we needed the understanding of the game. That probably helped us move into management’: Premier League boss reveals reasons for natural career progression
