Scientists discover how deep sleep builds muscle

Scientists have discovered a surprising two-way relationship between sleep and growth hormone, revealing how the brain carefully balances physical recovery with wakefulness. The findings could help explain why poor sleep harms metabolism and brain health, potentially opening the door to new treatments for sleep and neurological disorders. Scientists discover how deep sleep builds muscle, burns fat, and boosts the brain.

Scientists discover how deep sleep builds muscle, burns fat, and boosts the brain Science News from research organizations Scientists discover how deep sleep builds muscle, burns fat, and boosts the brain Scientists have uncovered a hidden brain circuit linking deep sleep, growth hormone, and wakefulness, revealing why a good night’s sleep is essential for both body and brain health. The newly discovered feedback loop helps explain why poor sleep can interfere with growth, muscle repair, fat metabolism, and brain function. During deep sleep, the body releases growth hormone, a powerful chemical messenger that helps build muscle, strengthen bones, and regulate fat metabolism.

For teenagers, getting enough sleep is especially important because growth hormone plays a major role in reaching their full height potential. Scientists have long known that insufficient sleep can interfere with growth hormone production. What remained unclear was exactly how the brain controls this process, particularly during non-REM sleep, the deep, restorative stage that typically dominates the earlier part of the night.

Now, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, have uncovered the brain circuitry behind this relationship.