From the Guidelines
Low Energy Availability (EA) increases Growth Hormone (GH) levels. According to the study published in Sports Medicine 1, low EA seems to cause increased GH levels, along with other hormonal alterations, in exercising women. This is likely an adaptive response to conserve energy.
- Other factors that may influence GH levels include sleep, exercise, and nutritional status.
- For example, sleep deprivation can stimulate GH release, with levels increasing by up to 20% after a single night of sleep restriction.
- Additionally, regular exercise, such as aerobic exercise for 30 minutes, 3 times a week, can also stimulate GH production.
- However, the effect of exercise on GH production is more pronounced with adequate sleep and nutrition.
- It is also worth noting that increased GH secretion is most likely responsible for the insulin resistance during puberty, as suggested by the study published in Diabetes Care 1.
- Overall, a combination of adequate sleep, regular exercise, and proper nutrition is necessary to support optimal GH production and overall health.
From the Research
Factors that Increase Growth Hormone (GH) Levels
- Sleep, particularly deep sleep (stages 3 and 4), is accompanied by markedly increased pulsatile GH secretion 2, 3, 4
- GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) stimulation during a period of relative somatostatin withdrawal, which is also associated with elevated levels of circulating ghrelin, increases GH secretion 2
- Pharmacological interventions that increase the duration and/or intensity of slow-wave sleep, such as oral administration of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also increase the rate of GH release 2
- Decreased cortisol levels, which can occur after sleep deprivation, may lead to increased GH secretion 3
- Gonadal steroid-hormone concentrations, such as serum estradiol and testosterone, positively determine GH release 4
Factors that Decrease Growth Hormone (GH) Levels
- Sleep deprivation can lead to GH resistance and decreased GH secretion, particularly in older adults 5, 6
- Obesity and increased body mass index (BMI) are strongly negatively correlated with GH secretion 4
- Increased somatostatin secretion and decreased GHRH release, which can occur with obesity, may lead to decreased GH production 4
- Age is also a significant negative predictor of nocturnal GH peak level in sleep-deprived subjects, with younger adults having higher GH levels 5