Sermorelin + Glycine (The Sleep & GH Stack)

Sermorelin and glycine are one of the most commonly prescribed compounded peptide formulations, typically delivered as a troche (sublingual lozenge) taken before bedtime. The rationale is that both compounds support growth hormone optimization through complementary mechanisms — sermorelin directly stimulates GH release from the pituitary, while glycine improves the sleep architecture that governs natural GH secretion. Approximately 70% of daily growth hormone output occurs during deep sleep. By combining a direct GH secretagogue (sermorelin) with a compound that enhances sleep quality and depth (glycine), the formulation aims to maximize the body's most important window for GH-mediated repair and recovery.

Sermorelin is a synthetic 29-amino-acid analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) — the shortest fragment with full biological activity. It binds GHRH receptors on pituitary somatotrophs, triggering the cAMP/PKA signaling cascade that stimulates endogenous GH release. Unlike exogenous growth hormone, sermorelin preserves the body's natural pulsatile GH pattern and negative feedback mechanisms. Glycine is the simplest amino acid but plays a surprisingly important role in sleep and metabolism. It acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brainstem and spinal cord, and research shows that glycine supplementation (3g before bed) significantly improves subjective sleep quality by lowering core body temperature through peripheral vasodilation. A 2024 systematic review confirmed glycine's effects on sleep characteristics and metabolic parameters in adults. Additionally, a 2025 study demonstrated that glycine supplementation in individuals with severe obesity improved metabolic markers including triglycerides and aminotransferases, with enhanced detoxification pathways — benefits that complement sermorelin's metabolic effects through the GH axis.

Sermorelin has a long clinical history — it was previously FDA-approved (as Geref) for pediatric growth hormone deficiency before the manufacturer voluntarily discontinued it in 2008. Published studies demonstrate it effectively stimulates endogenous GH and IGF-1 secretion in adults. A 2025 review updated the understanding of GHRH receptor signaling and its regulation of GH secretion. Glycine's sleep-promoting effects are supported by controlled human studies showing improved sleep quality, reduced sleep onset latency, and enhanced next-day cognitive performance. The 2024 systematic review in Geroscience synthesized evidence across multiple physiological systems. The combination is widely prescribed in clinical practice but has not been studied as a pair in published randomized controlled trials. The rationale is well-grounded in the individual evidence bases and the physiological relationship between sleep quality and GH secretion.

Most commonly available as a compounded sublingual troche taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Sermorelin doses typically range from 500mcg to 1000mcg per troche, with 250mg glycine. The troche format provides convenience and avoids the need for nightly injections. Sermorelin is also available as a subcutaneous injection or nasal spray. Specific dosing and formulation should be determined by a qualified clinician.