Dr. Henry CliffLast Updated on June 27, 2024
HGH is like any other hormone. A hormone is a chemical produced by a gland or cell in some part of the body that affects cells in some other part. In fact, hormones are the chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to organs and tissues. Growth hormone is a vital hormone that affects growth, metabolism, and tissue repair. It involves many bodily processes like growth and development, sexual function, reproduction, metabolism, etc.
While many factors influence the production and release of HGH, one of the most significant yet often overlooked is sleep. The change in lifestyle and hectic schedules are now causing many health-related problems. HGH and sleep have an intricate relationship
So, before we go deep into understanding the relationship between sleep and growth hormones, it is essential to first know what HGH is.
Understanding HGH
Human growth hormone, or simply HGH, is a crucial part of the endocrine system. Produced by the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain, growth is a complex protein hormone composed of a chain of 191 amino acids. It is mainly active during the child’s maturation period but does more than just add a few inches to their height.
In adults, HGH plays a crucial role in maintaining and repairing tissues throughout the body. It helps to build and maintain healthy muscle mass, boost bone density, regulate body composition by reducing fat and increasing lean mass, and even support a healthy metabolism. Additionally, HGH has been linked to improved cognitive function, enhanced exercise performance, and increased energy levels.
The release of HGH in the bloodstream by the pituitary gland is in spurts, mostly during sleep. Unlike the production of other hormones, which is constant, HGH production is in a pulsatile pattern, with several peaks and valleys throughout the day.
The most significant pulse of HGH release occurs during the early stages of sleep. It is the highest during the deep sleep phase, known as slow-wave sleep. According to a study published by the Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, “Human growth hormone (GH) secretion has been described as a sleep-dependent rhythm, with a nocturnal surge occurring in sleep and disappearing in the absence of sleep…The 24-hour pattern of GH release in young adults is marked by a surge within the first 90 minutes of night-time sleep.”
Science of HGH production during sleep
Both exercise and sleep induce the release of HGH. Experts say that as much as 75% of HGH is secreted during sleep hours. Scientifically, sleep in humans is divided into two main types: Non-REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and REM sleep. Non-REM sleep has three stages:
- Stage 1: Light sleep, where you drift in and out of sleep.
- Stage 2: Onset of true sleep, where body temperature drops and heart rate slows.
- Stage 3: Deep sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep. This stage is crucial for therapeutic processes.
REM sleep is the stage where dreaming occurs, and it is vital for cognitive functions like memory and learning.
In healthy people, the main period of HGH production occurs during the first period of Stage 3, deep sleep at night, say about an hour after you fall asleep. Also, deep sleep is called slow-wave sleep, which accounts for one-quarter of your sleep every night. Slow-wave sleep is the stage when HGH is secreted, and it works to rebuild and restore the muscles and overall body from the day’s stress.
How does sleep affect GH production?
An individual cycles through sleep phases 4-5 times every night. HGH is produced during the first few times when you experience Stage 3 sleep. Sleep restriction or deprivation has a great impact on your sleep cycle and also impacts the way your HGH gets produced during the initial cycles of deep sleep. So, if a person stays up the whole night when he or she is normally asleep, there is no flow of HGH release. However, after a period of sleep restriction, an extra hormone is released as sleep resumes, and the pattern departs from the normal pulse during the deep sleep stage.
Medical evidence to support the sleep and HGH link
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that sleep deprivation significantly reduces nocturnal HGH secretion.
Scientists performed an experiment where they hid the participants from daylight and other cues that serve as circadian hooks. These subjects were not even allowed to set their sleep pattern, which deviated from the typical 24-hour cycle.
This experiment has actually been performed a lot of times. Still, in this scenario, the scientists measured blood levels of GH and followed when the pituitary gland secreted the growth hormone. They found that the peak levels of HGH released during sleep decreased considerably. Also, the first slow-wave sleep phase of the night was short, and the first REM took place sooner.
After the study, the researchers concluded that the timing of sleep phases can change the total amount of HGH secreted during sleep.
Another study indicated that individuals with sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, disrupt HGH secretion patterns, leading to lower overall levels.
Practical Implications
There is enough medical evidence to support the fact that sleep directly impacts the natural production of growth hormones. Understanding the practical implications of the connection between HGH and sleep will help you discover the potential for improved health with sleep.
Can you boost HGH through sleep?
Absolutely. Based on the studies on the impact of quality sleep on HGH production we have shared above, sleep can boost HGH.
One of the best ways to increase HGH levels is by following a good sleep pattern and getting quality sleep regularly. High-quality sleep for adults means uninterrupted sleep for 7-9 hours per night. Along with following a good sleep schedule, one should also exercise daily to promote the secretion of natural HGH. Growth hormone pulses are secreted during the daytime and can be severely affected by the lack of a good diet and exercise. Also, exercise promotes quality sleep by expending energy, so sleep, exercise, and HGH are all related.
Further, studies have reported that the largest HGH pulses occur before midnight, with smaller pulses in the early morning. This shows that sleep is an important part of overall HGH production.
Boosting HGH naturally, other than sleep
HGH supplements can improve cognitive health and sleep patterns. These supplements stimulate the functioning of the pituitary gland to release natural growth hormones in increased amounts. However, if the user is not relaxing properly or has disturbed sleep, then the effects of HGH supplements are dramatically impacted. The body cannot release growth hormones properly if the user is not sleeping properly.
You must use reliable supplements at the appropriate time for the best results from these HGH supplements. The production of growth hormones is greatly affected by aging. It is estimated that by the age of 40 years, the production of growth hormones in an individual is reduced by 80%. For elders above 40, it is advised that HGH supplements be made during bedtime. It helps to replicate the natural production of growth hormones in the body. Using these supplements during bedtime will help older users easily grow healthy bodies. For users of HGH sleep supplements who are below 40 years of age, there is substantial release of natural growth hormones. So, they should not take HGH during sleeping hours as this will interfere with natural growth hormone production in their body. Rather, they should use these supplements during the morning hours.
HGH sleep supplement: Top 2 HGH supplements
GenF20 Plus
GenF20 Plus is one of the best HGH supplements available at present. It is not only a reliable body-building, anti-aging, and dietary supplement, but it is also highly effective and useful for improving the overall quality of sleep. GenF20 Plus is formulated from the best amino acids and GABA compounds. Also, the ingredients of this supplement are natural, and there is no use for any sort of synthetic chemicals in the product. This makes the releaser a highly effective yet natural HGH product suitable for naturally boosting growth hormone levels. The manufacturers of GenF20 Plus have launched its spray formulation as well. This spray comes with the advanced Alpha GPC, which makes it highly effective for users. Especially there are highly beneficial anti-aging advantages to using the GenF20 Plus spray.
Read our detailed GenF20 Plus review.
GenFX
GenFX offers the benefits of natural HGH releaser in active pill form. It is indeed one of the most effective HGH supplements available on the market today, and it combines both the amino acids and other necessary building blocks of HGH. You can use this HGH sleep supplement to boost the natural production of growth hormones.
GenFX uses two methods to increase the production of HGH in the body. First, the product offers building blocks of 191 amino acids HGH, mainly the L group amino acids. Once such HGH elements have been introduced into the body, the body uses them to release more amount of growth hormones. Second, it stimulates the pituitary gland to release more natural growth hormone in the bloodstream.
Know about GenFX HGH sleep supplement in detail by visiting here.
Conclusion
These are some important facts about the effects of sleep on HGH. Now that HGH and sleep are related, it is good to indulge in healthy and clean eating, regular exercising, and gettinghigh-quality sleep for at least 7 to 9 hours each night. All this will eventually lead to the secretion of natural HGH in the body and help in saying goodbye to various illnesses and health conditions.