Oral MK-677 Significantly Improves Sleep Quality in Both Young and Older Adults
Prolonged oral MK-677 treatment significantly improved sleep quality in healthy young and older adults, increasing stage 4 (deep) sleep and REM sleep duration.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Prolonged oral MK-677 significantly improved sleep quality by increasing stage 4 (deep sleep) and REM sleep in both young (18-30) and older (65+) adults.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
Double-blind study with 8 young (18-30) and 6 older (65+) subjects receiving oral MK-677 during treatment periods. Sleep was objectively measured by polysomnography.
Why This Research Matters
Sleep quality declines with age alongside GH secretion. A compound that improves both simultaneously could address two major age-related health concerns.
The Bigger Picture
This study revealed that MK-677's benefits extend beyond GH — improving sleep architecture is independently valuable for health, recovery, and cognitive function.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Small sample sizes (8 young, 6 older). Double-blind but specific study duration and dosing not fully detailed in abstract. Long-term effects unknown.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does improved sleep account for some of MK-677's body composition benefits?
- ?Is MK-677's sleep improvement maintained with long-term chronic use?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- More deep sleep + more REM MK-677 increased both stage 4 (restorative) and REM sleep in young and older adults
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate clinical evidence with objective polysomnography measurements. Small sample sizes but consistent effects across age groups.
- Study Age:
- Published in 1997, this remains one of the most cited studies for MK-677's sleep benefits.
- Original Title:
- Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man.
- Published In:
- Neuroendocrinology, 66(4), 278-86 (1997)
- Authors:
- Copinschi, G(2), Leproult, R(2), Van Onderbergen, A(2), Caufriez, A, Cole, K Y, Schilling, L M, Mendel, C M, De Lepeleire, I, Bolognese, J A, Van Cauter, E
- Database ID:
- RPEP-00402
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
How does MK-677 improve sleep?
MK-677 increases deep (stage 4) sleep and REM sleep, likely through its effect on the GH-ghrelin axis. Growth hormone is naturally released during deep sleep, and MK-677 enhances this relationship, creating a positive feedback loop.
Is this why people take MK-677 at bedtime?
Yes. Taking MK-677 before bed amplifies the natural sleep-associated GH pulse while simultaneously improving sleep quality. This dual benefit makes bedtime dosing the standard protocol.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00402APA
Copinschi, G; Leproult, R; Van Onderbergen, A; Caufriez, A; Cole, K Y; Schilling, L M; Mendel, C M; De Lepeleire, I; Bolognese, J A; Van Cauter, E. (1997). Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man.. Neuroendocrinology, 66(4), 278-86.
MLA
Copinschi, G, et al. "Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone secretagogue, improves sleep quality in man.." Neuroendocrinology, 1997.
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Prolonged oral treatment with MK-677, a novel growth hormone..." RPEP-00402. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/copinschi-1997-prolonged-oral-treatment-with
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.