Sleeping And Running

     The last few nights I have had trouble sleeping.  I still haven't pin pointed exactly why, but I am starting to get frustrated.  I will go to bed and like clockwork I am waking up every hour on the hour.   At first I blamed my dog Kia, who unintentionally likes to make our bed hers as well.  She will sprawl out wherever she pleases and god forbid you touch her by accident in your sleep or you she will kick you.  If you roll over she thinks you are giving her more space to stretch out.  Some how I always find myself with no blanket and I am usually hanging off the side of the bed.  Last night though she bothered my wife instead of me and I still slept like crap. I have tried sleeping in different positions and still nothing. So I am still searching for what the cause is.
     Most runners know that sleeping and running go hand in hand.  Normally running should make you tired, which it does until it's time for bed then I am eyes wide open.  Having adequate amount of sleep is very important to your body for running for many reasons.  
Focused= You are more focused and aware of everything when you are not tired.
HGH= When you are asleep your body produces and releases HGH into your body. HGH or human growth hormones are vital for muscle recovery.  If you are not getting enough sleep your muscles will take longer to recover. Some runners and other athletes take a HGH supplement to help muscles recover faster. I myself take deer antler extract spray.  I spray it under my tongue 5 times in the morning and 5 times at night to help with muscle recovery.  It seems to help a little( could be a mind thing though ).  It has no effect on my running, I didn't buy it with the intent of going faster from it.
Rest= When you are sleeping your body is basically getting the time it needs to just relax.

     6 to 8 hours is the recommended amount of sleep a person should get to let their body reenergize.  Most of us know that is not always possible though, and many of us have felt the effects during a race or training.  Before a big race I always try to lay down knowing I will wake up like a little kid on Christmas a few times during the night.  Giving yourself that extra time will make up for all the waking up you might do from the excitement.  Most runners seem to run their best when they are fully rested.  Even the night before long runs you should get good rest, it will make the run easier.
     I am not saying you won't run a good time if you didn't get good sleep. Some people say when they are tired they don't think about the race as much, as if they aren't fully focused on the outcome and run their best time.  I am just stating if I was playing the odds, the odds say being well rested is what is best for you.

Has sleep or lack of sleep ever dictated an outcome of a race or training for you?