Interactions Between Growth Hormone Secretion and Sleep

doi:10.1007/978-1-59259-015-5_16

Paper

Interactions Between Growth Hormone Secretion and Sleep

Published 2000 · E. Cauter, G. Copinschi

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Abstract

The fact that the secretion of growth hormone (GH) is markedly stimulated during sleep has been recognized for more than three decades. Early studies using the first available radioimmunoassays for GH demonstrated that the peripheral levels of this hormone increased rapidly following sleep onset (1–5). In normal adult subjects, the 24-h profile of plasma GH levels consists of stable low levels abruptly interrupted by bursts of secretion. The most reproducible pulse occurs shortly after sleep onset (3,4). This relationship between sleep onset and GH secretion appears to be most consistent in the human species, because it is more difficult to evidence in other mammals, although elevated blood GH levels have been observed during sleep in baboons, rhesus monkeys, dogs, lambs, and both immature and adult rats (6–12). Species differences could be related to the fact that human sleep is consolidated in a single 7 to 9-h period, whereas multiple sleep bouts are the rule in other mammals. Thus, the sleep-wake transition in the human is generally associated with more pronounced variations in endocrine, metabolic, and other parameters than in other species.

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayGrowth hormone secretion is significantly stimulated during sleep, with the most reproducible pulse occurring shortly after sleep onset in humans.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Interactions Between Growth Hormone Secretion and Sleep

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