We make less human growth hormone (HGH) as we get older, resulting in many aging symptoms: loss of muscle tone, increased weight gain, loss of stamina, hair loss and graying, and many diseases linked to aging. If we can increase HGH, can we reverse many of the signs of aging?

Growth hormone fuels childhood growth and helps maintain tissues and organs throughout life. It’s produced by the pea-sized pituitary gland—located at the base of the brain. Beginning in middle age, however, the pituitary gland slowly reduces the amount of growth hormone it produces.

The human growth hormone can induce weight loss, burn belly fat and help build muscle. In some cases, HGH therapy has been an effective method of restoring and maintaining hair growth. With hair restoration, some have even seen the color of hair be restored. For some, HGH therapy has effectively restored skin elasticity while reducing wrinkles. Also, for some, HGH has been shown to improve energy restoration.

That sounds great, so what’s the catch? HGH injections are illegal except in very limited exceptions. There’s no pill form of human growth hormone available. Some dietary supplements that claim to boost levels of HGH come in pill form, but evidence of their effectiveness is somewhat lacking.

Is there a way to naturally boost HGH production without a pill?

According to one study, there is a relationship between human growth hormone release and so-called “delta” brain waves. These results demonstrate a close relationship between HGH secretion and delta wave activity. In certain delta frequencies, the brain releases many highly beneficial substances, including human growth hormone. Spending time in delta quite possibly slows the aging process and keeps you young.

Delta brain waves are the slowest and highest amplitude brainwaves and are usually associated with deep sleep. One study supports both the accepted idea that, in the awake human being, delta waves are not commonplace and the idea that there are indeed local brain regions where slow waves and delta can dominate. Tibetan monks that have been meditating for decades can reach this state in an alert, wakened phase that most of us reach only during deep sleep. These monks have achieved a state that some call “enlightenment” and others call “super-awareness”. While it is possible to attain this state through years of focused meditation, others—myself included—have reportedly achieved a state like enlightenment after hitting “rock bottom”. Others believe it is possible to stimulate delta waves through listening to specifically crafted audio recordings.

In my personal experience, I have achieved hair regrowth, a reversal of graying and significant weight loss after hitting what I felt was rock bottom. I was at a loss to explain it until now. Is it possible that I am in a state where I am producing more delta waves that are, in turn, producing more HGH? That is the best explanation I can come up with. I don’t recommend the process of hitting rock bottom to anyone—it is not an experience I care to repeat. But, are the anti-aging effects of HGH available through meditation, supplements or audio stimulus? I definitely think it is worthwhile to explore these options and see if they work for you.