Scientists discover the deep sleep circuit that builds muscle, burns fat, and boosts the brain

UC Berkeley scientists have mapped the brain circuit that controls growth hormone release during sleep, publishing their findings in the journal Cell. Deep in the hypothalamus, specific neurons trigger hormone release during sleep cycles, while a newly discovered feedback loop involving the brainstem helps balance sleep and wakefulness. The findings could lead to new treatments for metabolic diseases like diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.