Night time & evening protein supplements
A great many body builders are unaware that up to 40% of muscle growth occurs while they are sleeping. There is wide spread knowledge about the importance of recovery and especially the window for muscle growth that occurs after a workout, but what happens while you sleep can be every bit as important. That is why there is a large range of supplements designed to offer long lasting protein release. They tend to be based upon casein, rather than whey.
Research has shown that casein and whey offer very different outcomes when it comes to ingesting protein. Whey is easily digested and provides a quick burst of protein, whilst casein forms a kind of 'gel' in the stomach that takes up to seven hours to digest. It is thus ideal as a source of slow release protein. But more significantly research has shown that casein also has a strong anti-catabolic effect, that is it helps stop the breakdown of muscle tissue. It also helps maintain an optimal level of vital amino acids over a seven hour period. It can be used very effectively at night in conjunction with HGH, or Human Growth Hormone, supplements.
In order to achieve peak results a body builder must look at all aspects of the growth cycle, including what their body is doing during sleep. Slow release, casein based 'night time' supplements have therefore become a vital part of the elite body builder's approach to adding, and keeping, lean muscle.
What are some night time supplements?
There is a huge range of supplements that are designed for night time use including:
There is a range of night time proteins now on the market and you are best advised to research which ones will best suit your training goals.
Why use night time protein supplements?
Some 40% of muscle is added during the 'REM' phase of sleep, which is the very deep sleep that leaves us feeling refreshed when we have had enough of it. The human body can not store protein so it is vital that muscles are 'fed' at all times. Given the amount of growth which can take place during sleep it makes sense to ensure that protein is available to the body during this critical, both to help build muscle and also to help prevent the breakdown of your hard fought for muscle gains. A slow release protein formula is therefore essential to achieving these aims.
Max's Nitetime Protein
buy now read more >Max's Nitetime Protein comes from a well trusted muscle building brand and is designed to give you a sustained protein release over the course of a normal sleep by blending medium and slow release proteins. It contains micellar casein, calcium caseinate and whey concentrate to provide an optimal protein blend, as well as peptides and amino acids, and general nutrients to support wellbeing. With over 80% protein this is an advanced night time formula which also contains calming herbs to ensure you get a great night's sleep and your body is able to get on with using the proteins it supplies in such abundance.
BSN Lean Dessert Protein
buy now read more >BSN Lean Dessert Protein utilizes six different protein sources to ensure a sustained release of protein over a seven hour period. The formulation optimizes amino acid levels, and contains enzymes that assist in optimal protein digestion. BSN have also spent time ensuring the flavours replicate those of delicious desserts, making your night time protein hit a real treat.
Optimum 100 Casein
buy now read more >Optimum 100 Casein is a blend of slow digesting casein and micellar casein which has a strong anti-catabolic effect, namely it helps avoid muscle loss during the sleep period. It contains over 9grams of BCAA's, glutamine and glutamine precursors per scoop as well.
Dorian Yates Pro-Peptide
buy now read more >Dorian Yates Pro-Peptide bears the name of arguably the most formidable body builder in history, so you know you'd better take it seriously! It is loaded with probiotic organisms to help enhance protein digestion as well as whey, and egg proteins and micellar casein. It is a formidable blend of slow and medium release proteins from a variety of sources, meaning you get all bases covered.