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Sleep Peptides

Meaning

Sleep peptides are a diverse class of endogenous signaling molecules, encompassing neuropeptides and certain circulating hormones, that are intricately involved in the central regulation of sleep-wake cycles and the promotion of restorative sleep architecture. These regulatory peptides, such as orexin/hypocretin, melatonin, and various growth hormone-releasing peptides, act within the brain to modulate the activity of sleep-promoting and wake-promoting neuronal networks. Optimal function of these peptide systems is essential for metabolic recovery, cognitive consolidation, and the pulsatile release of other key hormones, such as Growth Hormone, that occur during deep sleep.