You will never sleep late at night after knowing what happens during deep sleep
Scientists have now uncovered the brain system that explains why deep sleep is so important for good health. They say deep sleep helps release growth hormone, which repairs muscles, strengthens bones, burns fat and keeps the brain working properly.
July 06, 2026 / 10:42 IST
Study reveals deep sleep powers growth, metabolism, memory, muscle repair, and lifelong health. (Picture: Pexels)
- Scientists discover brain pathway in deep sleep.
- Pathway controls growth hormone release for repair.
- Deep sleep is crucial for body repair and health.
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For generations, parents have told children to get an early night. Doctors have repeated the same advice to adults. Athletes have sworn by it before big competitions. Now, scientists believe they have discovered the reason why a good night’s sleep is so valuable
Researchers have now found a hidden brain pathway that comes to life during deep sleep. It controls the release of growth hormone, a natural chemical that helps the body repair itself while we sleep. The discovery offers fresh evidence that sleep is not simply a time for rest. It is one of the body’s busiest working hours
The study, carried out by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, focused on what happens during deep, non-REM sleep. This is the stage when the body enters its deepest state of rest. During this time, growth hormone is released in larger amounts
Not just growth hormone
Many people think growth hormone is only important for children because it helps them grow taller. In fact, adults rely on it just as much. It helps repair muscles after physical activity, strengthens bones, supports healthy blood sugar levels and helps the body use fat for energy. Without enough deep sleep, these important jobs may not happen as they should. Scientists have spent years knowing that growth hormone rises during sleep, but they never fully understood how the brain controlled the process. That mystery has now become much clearer.
Sleep and hormone work together
The research team identified the brain cells responsible for switching the hormone on and off. They also found that sleep and growth hormone work together like a carefully balanced partnership. Deep sleep encourages the release of the hormone, while the hormone itself sends signals back to the brain that help control the natural cycle of sleeping and waking. The findings may also explain why poor sleep affects so many parts of daily life. Anyone who has struggled through a restless night knows how difficult it can be to think clearly the next morning. Concentration suffers, memory becomes less reliable and even simple tasks feel harder than usual.
Obesity, diabetes and heart disease
Scientists believe the same brain pathway may also influence alertness and attention during the day. That means deep sleep could play a much bigger role in keeping the mind sharp than previously believed. The effects do not stop with the brain. Experts say poor sleep has already been linked with obesity, diabetes and heart disease. If the body misses out on deep sleep night after night, it may also miss out on the healthy release of growth hormone needed for repair and recovery. For athletes, it could slow muscle recovery. For older people, it may affect strength and bone health. For everyone else, it is another reminder that cutting back on sleep can come at a cost.
Also read: Longevity expert Bryan Johnson is suffering from a rare autoimmune condition; gastroenterologist says the damage is irreversible
The research was carried out in mice, so scientists say more studies are needed before the findings can be fully confirmed in people. Even so, they believe the discovery opens the door to new ways of treating sleep disorders and illnesses linked to the brain, including Alzheimer’sand Parkinson’s disease
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis
first published: Jul 6, 2026 10:42 am
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