MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Altered hypothalamic activity associated with initiation of sleep results in a major peak of growth hormone secretion unrelated to hypoglycemia or changes in cortisol and insulin secretion.

Detailed explanation-2: -The release of GH is greatly enhanced during sleep, especially early in the night; this is associated with the appearance of delta waves on electroencephalography, which are characteristic of SWS [5], and increased release of GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) in the hypothalamus [6].

Detailed explanation-3: -Growth hormone levels are increased by sleep, stress, exercise and low glucose levels in the blood. They also increase around the time of puberty. Growth hormone release is lowered in pregnancy and if the brain senses high levels of growth hormone or insulin-like growth factors already in the blood.

Detailed explanation-4: -Mean GH levels were higher during slow wave sleep (SWS) compared with other sleep stages. During sleep after deprivation, GH secretion was prolonged, and second GH peaks occurred in three subjects which were not associated with SWS.

Detailed explanation-5: -Melatonin is the only known hormone synthesized by the pineal gland and is released in response to darkness hence the name, “hormone of darkness” [10]. Melatonin provides a circadian and seasonal signal to the organisms in vertebrates.