What is the Origin of Endogenous Repair Cycles?

This term combines 'endogenous,' meaning originating from within, with 'repair cycles,' referring to the recurring biological programs for damage reversal. It underscores the body's innate capacity for self-healing, particularly within the context of circadian and sleep medicine.

What is the Mechanism of Endogenous Repair Cycles?

During the deeper stages of non-REM sleep, the pituitary gland secretes its largest pulse of Growth Hormone, which is a potent anabolic signal essential for tissue repair and cellular regeneration. Furthermore, processes like autophagy, the cellular self-cleaning mechanism, are upregulated during periods of fasting or rest, contributing significantly to the removal of damaged organelles and proteins, thus driving the fundamental restorative phase of the sleep cycle.

Endogenous Repair Cycles

Meaning

The intrinsic, biologically programmed processes that occur within the body, primarily during periods of rest and sleep, dedicated to the maintenance, restoration, and structural integrity of cells, tissues, and organ systems. These cycles are critical for longevity and systemic resilience against daily physiological stress.