During sleep, the body releases ‘growth hormone‘ to repair and strengthen muscles and bones — though the exact mechanisms behind this process have long been unclear.
Now, through detailed analysis of brain circuits in mice, a research team led by scientists at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) has uncovered specific mechanisms and feedback loops that control the release of growth hormone during sleep.
Unlocking Sleep’s Role in Growth Hormone Release for Better Treatments
These discoveries may improve treatment for conditions linked to sleep disturbances, such as type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Gaining insight into sleep is essential for understanding many different facets of our overall health.
“While people know that sleep closely influences growth hormone release, researchers have mostly observed this by measuring hormone levels in the blood during sleep,” explains UC Berkeley neuroscientist Xinlu Ding.
“Our approach involves directly recording brain activity in mice to understand the process in real time. We’re laying the groundwork for future research that could lead to new treatment options.”
Distinct Growth Hormone Release Patterns During REM and Non-REM Sleep
Tracking brain activity over several sleep-wake cycles in mice, researchers showed that growth hormone releases differently during REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM sleep.
Although levels of the hormone rose in both stages, the balance of neurons that stimulate or suppress its release changed depending on the sleep phase. Researchers also identified a feedback loop involving neurons in the locus coeruleus, a brain region associated with wakefulness.
“This indicates that sleep and growth hormone work together in a closely regulated system,” says neuroscientist Daniel Silverman. “Not getting enough sleep can lower growth hormone levels, while excessive growth hormone may actually nudge the brain toward being awake.”
Sleep triggers the release of growth hormone, which in turn helps regulate wakefulness — a balance that’s vital for growth, tissue repair, and overall metabolic health.
Growth Hormone’s Role in Metabolism and the Potential for New Sleep Disorder Treatments
Beyond its primary role in supporting growth, growth hormone also plays a key part in managing how the body processes glucose and fat. When insufficient sleep disrupts hormone levels, it can increase the risk of conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These findings further highlight the important connection between sleep and overall well-being.
Additionally, the locus coeruleus helps regulate alertness during wakefulness, suggesting that the mechanisms uncovered in this study may also influence daytime cognitive function.
However, much more research is required to confirm these findings. While there’s strong reason to think that these processes are similar in humans and mice, that assumption still needs to be verified. In the long run, though, this research could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders — a challenge that many people face.
“By understanding the neural pathways involved in growth hormone release, we may eventually develop new hormone-based therapies to enhance sleep quality or restore healthy growth hormone levels,” says Silverman.
“There are experimental gene therapies that focus on targeting specific types of cells. This newly identified circuit could offer a unique way to reduce the overactivity of the locus coeruleus — something that hasn’t been explored before.”
Read the original article on: Sciencealert
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