HGH is secreted in peaks every 4 hours or so, with the peak occurring about an hour before sleep begins.
Growth hormone and insulin are two powerful agents for constructing muscle.
It is postponed because the pain typically does not begin to manifest until around 24 hours after the strenuous exercise. It could last up to six or seven days.
In natural (drug-free) bodybuilding, overtraining is more prevalent because of the high levels of cortisol that the body releases in reaction to strenuous exercise. However, using steroids lowers the body's cortisol levels.
Creatine is converted into the high-energy molecule creatine phosphate. When anaerobic conditions prevail, the phosphate bond between the creatine molecule and its molecular partner breaks, releasing free energy. More ATP and hence energy are created using this energy. For best effectiveness, creatine pills should be consumed both before and after workouts.
While slow twitch fibers are linked to endurance, fast twitch fibers are linked to power.
It seems that getting enough rest and eating right will speed up the healing process.