Can lack of sleep affect growth?

The secretion of human growth hormone peaks during deep sleep, so a pattern of poor sleeping can have an effect on this vital body chemical.

Human growth hormone is essential for overall growth in children, and in adults it maintains strength and regulates metabolism. For both children and adults, it is necessary for cell repair—particularly when recovering from exercise, injury, or illness. Growth hormone is released by the pituitary gland throughout the day, but peak levels are secreted during the deeper stages of sleep—so a lack of good sleep will reduce the overall amount of the hormone in your body.

Happily, poor sleep will have little effect on children’s growth, because the resulting hormone shortfall is compensated for by the huge surges that occur during a child’s growth spurts.

For adults, however, losing out on hormone production due to poor sleep is more of an issue. It can lead to reduced muscle mass and strength, thinning hair, and weaker bones. Although other factors may be at play, ensuring you get enough deep sleep will boost your body’s natural growth and repair functions.

Growth hormone release

This hormone is released throughout the day, but certain activities, such as eating or exercise, cause it to spike. The biggest peak occurs during deep sleep.

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