Sleep Pattern Disorders

Aging may bring sleep disturbances, particularly with male or female menopause. Is it pathologic or a direct byproduct of the aging process? Evidence has shown a relationship between slow-wave (SW) sleep and increased GH secretion. Since both decrease exponentially with age, research indicates hormone modulation for GHD adults should be examined.  Review current research and medical articles on sleep pattern disorders to better determine how to treat your patients.

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Interrelationships Between Growth Hormone and Sleep.pdf

This study discusses how during ageing, slow-wave (SW) sleep and GH secretion decrease exponentially and with the same chronology. Pharmacological stimulation of SW sleep results in increased GH release, and compounds that increase SW sleep may therefore represent a novel class of GH secretagogues.

Van Cauter, E. & Copinschi, G. (2000). Interrelationships between growth hormone and sleep [Electronic version]. Growth Hormone & IGF Research: Official Journal of the Growth Hormone Research Society and the International IGF Research Society, 10(Suppl. B), S57-62. Retrieved September 28, 2005.

Effect of Testosterone Administration on Upper Airway Collapsibility During Sleep.pdf 
This study demonstrated that exacerbation of OSA by testosterone was associated with an increase in upper airway collapsibility during sleep, and that this improved after cessation of hormone administration. The data strongly suggest that the mechanism by which testosterone administration may induce or exacerbate OSA is through an influence on neuromuscular control of upper airway patency during sleep.  
Cistulli, P.A., Grunstein, R.R. & Sullivan, C.E. (1994). Effect of testosterone administration on upper airway collapsibility during sleep [Electronic version]. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 149(2 Pt 1), 530-532. Retrieved July 24, 2003.