Scientists map brain circuit linking deep sleep to growth hormone

Researchers at UC Berkeley identified a hypothalamic circuit that controls growth hormone release during sleep and receives feedback that shapes wakefulness. Published in Cell, the mouse study could inform treatments for sleep disorders tied to diabetes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

• GHRH and somatostatin act differently in REM and non-REM sleep but both boost growth hormone release
• Growth hormone signals back to the locus coeruleus, influencing wakefulness
• The findings may guide new therapies for sleep disorders in metabolic and neurodegenerative disease