Human growth hormone (HGH) is a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. As we age, our bodies produce less HGH, which can lead to poor sleep quality.
Some key points about HGH and sleep:
- HGH is critical for tissue repair and healing which occurs during deep, restorative stages of sleep. Without adequate HGH levels, sleep may feel less restful.
- By supporting cell growth and regeneration, HGH helps maintain healthy brain and neurological function, which regulates sleep/wake cycles.
- HGH helps stimulate the production of other beneficial hormones and neurotransmitters that are essential for sleep. These include:
- Melatonin - the "sleep hormone"
- GABA - Primary inhibitory neurotransmitter
- Glutamate - Excitatory neurotransmitter
- Falling and staying asleep requires a delicate balance of hormones and neurotransmitters like these. HGH helps maintain optimal levels.
- By supporting metabolic processes, HGH may help reduce inflammation that can interfere with sleep.
- HGHdeclines significantly as we age. Older adults often complain of poor sleep quality. Boosting HGH may help restore more restful, restorative sleep.
So in summary, maintaining adequate HGH levels can benefit sleep in a few key ways:
- Supports tissue healing that occurs during deep sleep
- Maintains healthy neurological function that regulates sleep/wake cycles
- Aids production of other hormones and neurotransmitters vital for sleep
- May reduce inflammation that can interfere with sleep
- Declining HGH contributes to poor sleep as we age
Does Taking HGH Improve Sleep?
There is evidence that HGH therapy can benefit sleep in those with growth hormone deficiency. Several studies have shown:
- HGH therapy increased amount of deep, slow wave sleep
- Improved sleep efficiency and total sleep time
- Reduced time awake after initially falling asleep
- Increased REM sleep
- Increased serum IGF-1 levels (benefits sleep regulation)
However, the benefits seem most apparent for those with clinically diagnosed growth hormone deficiency.
For healthy adults with normal HGH levels, the benefits for sleep may be limited. More research is still needed on using HGH as a sleep aid.
Some additional points:
- The most common treatment involves daily injections of bioidentical growth hormone
- Potential side effects include joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and increased cancer risk if used in excess
- HGH therapy is very expensive - $1500 per month depending on dose
- Close medical supervision is necessary to minimize side effects
If you struggle with poor sleep, consult a medical provider to determine if HGH therapy is appropriate. A sleep study can determine if growth hormone deficiency is an underlying cause.