Impact of GHRH on Sleep Promotion and Endocrine Regulation in Service Members Who Sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury and Have Current Insomnia

Background: People who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often have trouble sleeping. TBI may also alter hormones, which can cause poor sleep. Researchers believe that a form of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) might improve sleep in service members and veterans who have had a TBI. Objective: To see if GHRH can improve sleep in people who have had a TBI. Eligibility: Active duty service members or veterans (active duty in the past 10 years) ages 18-45 who have had a TBI in the past 6 months to 10 years. Design: Participants will be screened with: Medical history Physical exam Blood and urine tests Getting ACTH (a hormone) through an intravenous catheter (thin plastic tube) Interview about their mood and alcohol and drug use Questionnaires about their TBI, mood, and sleep Participants will have 2 overnight study visits a couple weeks apart. These will include: Physical exam Urine sample Two intravenous catheters placed. Blood samples will be taken throughout the night. Two shots under the skin of the belly. The shots will be GHRH on one visit and placebo on the other. Spending the night in the sleep lab. Their brain waves will be recorded with electrodes placed on the scalp. A questionnaire in the morning about their sleep Participants will be called a few days after each overnight visit. They will be asked about how they are feeling and to rate their sleep.