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
'I would love to relive walking out at Wembley in the FA Cup final with West Ham when I was captain': Gilly Flaherty reflects on sensational career
'When Manchester City play it's hard not to be biased as they are my club and I love it when they win - but it frustrates me even more when we get beat' Steph Houghton on the problems of punditry and remaining neutral
