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Nocturnal Pulse

Meaning

The Nocturnal Pulse refers to the characteristic, robust pulsatile secretion of certain key hormones that occurs predominantly during the hours of sleep, particularly during the deeper stages of Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep. The most prominent example is the largest and most consistent daily pulse of Growth Hormone, which is crucial for tissue repair, protein synthesis, and metabolic regulation. This distinct secretory pattern is a vital component of the body’s circadian rhythm and reflects the optimal function of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary axis. Monitoring the integrity of this nocturnal pulse is clinically relevant for assessing endocrine health and the quality of restorative sleep.