Boy sleeping - TruHeight

La conexión entre el sueño y el crecimiento

Escrito por: Earl Jhon Nadayag

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Tiempo de lectura 4 min

Sleep might seem like a simple part of the day, but it does a lot more than help kids and teens feel rested. It’s a time when the body resets, recovers, and gets ready for everything that comes next. Growth and development depend on it, yet it’s often one of the first things to get overlooked.


With packed schedules, late-night distractions, and inconsistent routines, getting enough sleep isn’t always easy. But skipping out on it can have real effects, especially during the years when the body is still growing. Understanding the connection between sleep and development makes it clear why quality rest is something that shouldn’t be ignored.

How Sleep Fuels Growth Hormone Production

While the body is at rest, important processes are still in motion. One of the most critical is the release of growth hormone, which plays a major role in development. This hormone helps build and repair tissues, strengthen bones, and support overall physical growth [¹] . The largest surge happens during deep sleep, making consistent rest essential for kids and teens [²].


When sleep is disrupted or cut short, the body doesn’t get the same opportunity to produce this hormone at optimal levels [³] . Over time, this can affect growth patterns and overall well-being. Getting enough quality sleep allows the body to stay on track, ensuring that development continues as it should.

Teen sleeping

The Role of Sleep Cycles in Growth

Sleep moves through different stages, each serving a purpose, but deep sleep is where the body does the most rebuilding. During this stage, muscles recover, bones strengthen, and essential hormones work at their highest levels [⁴]  . This is the body’s prime time for physical growth, and without enough of it, these processes don’t happen as efficiently as they should.

What Happens When Kids and Teens Don’t Get Enough Sleep?

When sleep is too short or frequently interrupted, the body doesn’t have enough time to complete important growth and recovery processes. Growth hormone production drops, muscle and bone repair slows down, and energy levels take a hit  [³]  . Over time, this can affect height, strength, and overall physical development. Fatigue builds up, making even simple activities feel more exhausting than they should.


Beyond physical effects, lack of sleep can make it harder to concentrate, remember information, and stay motivated  [⁵]  . Schoolwork may feel overwhelming, and mood swings become more common. It can also weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to colds and other illnesses  [⁶]  . Without enough deep sleep, kids and teens may struggle to keep up with daily demands, both mentally and physically.

sitting in bed cannot sleep

Best Sleep Habits for Healthy Growth

Human Growth Hormone

Good sleep starts with consistent habits. The way kids and teens wind down at night affects how well they rest and recover. Simple changes can make a big difference in sleep quality and overall growth.


  • Stick to a schedule – Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps the body maintain a natural rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling rested  [⁷].

  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine – Activities like reading, stretching, or listening to calm music can signal the body that it’s time to wind down.

  • Limit screen time before bed – The blue light from phones, tablets, and TVs can interfere with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep  [⁸].

  • Keep the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet – A comfortable sleep environment helps improve sleep quality and prevents frequent wake-ups.

  • Avoid heavy meals and caffeine late in the day – Eating too close to bedtime or consuming caffeine can make it harder to fall asleep.

  • Stay active during the day – Regular movement helps improve sleep quality by making it easier for the body to transition into rest mode at night.

  • Manage stress and relaxationHigh stress levels can make it harder to sleep. Deep breathing, journaling, or calming activities can help prepare the mind for rest.

Conclusion

Quality sleep is one of the biggest factors in healthy growth. It’s when the body repairs, strengthens, and prepares for the next day. Without enough rest, kids and teens may struggle with energy, focus, and development.


Small changes can lead to better sleep and better results. A consistent routine, fewer nighttime distractions, and a comfortable sleep environment all help the body get the rest it needs. Making sleep a priority supports both growth and overall well-being.

References

 [¹]  Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Human growth hormone (HGH). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23309-human-growth-hormone-hgh


 [²]  Zaffanello M, Pietrobelli A, Cavarzere P, Guzzo A and Antoniazzi F (2024) Complex relationship between growth hormone and sleep in children: insights, discrepancies, and implications. Front. Endocrinol. 14:1332114. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1332114


 [³]  KidsHealth. (n.d.). Can lack of sleep stunt your growth? KidsHealth. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/sleep-growth.html


 [⁴]  Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). How much deep sleep do you need? Sleep Foundation. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/stages-of-sleep/deep-sleep


 [⁵]  National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (n.d.). Sleep deprivation and deficiency: How sleep affects your health. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects

 [⁶]  Olson, E. J. (2015, June 9). Lack of sleep: Can it make you sick? Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/lack-of-sleep/faq-20057757


 [⁷]  Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). What is circadian rhythm? Sleep Foundation. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm


 [⁸]  Salamon, M. (2024, September 6). How to manage blue light for better sleep. WebMD. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/sleep-blue-light