Adolescent Growth Hormone Secretion Timing

Growth hormone in adolescents is mainly secreted during deep sleep stages, particularly between 10 PM and 2 AM.

During this period, the body enters deep sleep, and the anterior pituitary begins to secrete large amounts of growth hormone. Additionally, growth hormone secretion is also stimulated after physical exercise, especially high-intensity activities such as running and jumping. Therefore, ensuring adequate sleep and appropriate physical activity is essential for the healthy growth and development of adolescents. Furthermore, growth hormone secretion exhibits a pulsatile pattern, characterized by significant fluctuations throughout the day and night. Prepubertal and pubertal adolescents typically experience 6–8 growth hormone pulses within 24 hours, with an average interval of 3–4 hours. Secretion during the night exceeds that during daytime, peaking about one hour after entering deep sleep.

Growth hormone secretion is influenced by multiple factors, including genetics, nutritional status, and emotional well-being. Adolescents should maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition, active participation in physical exercise, and ensuring sufficient sleep duration and quality, to promote normal growth hormone secretion, thereby supporting proper physical growth and development.