Why are cortisol levels elevated in the morning?

[Knicks]

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Cortisol is a "stress" hormone.

So why are cortisol levels high in the morning? (between the 6th and 8th hours of sleep, according to kaplan).

Last time I checked, sleep was not a "stressful" situation.

 

[FutureInternist]

Possibly to get the body ready to hunt the mammoth way back when.

 

[GMDMD]

Sleep is not stressful, that's why cortisol levels are lowest about an hour before your usual bedtime. ACTH and cortisol levels are highest around 6-8am I'm assuming to prepare you for the day.

I would guess there's some protective anti-insulin effect as well to maintain glucose levels.

 

[sanche60]

Sleep is not stressful, that's why cortisol levels are lowest about an hour before your usual bedtime. ACTH and cortisol levels are highest around 6-8am I'm assuming to prepare you for the day.

I would guess there's some protective anti-insulin effect as well to maintain glucose levels.

that would be my vote.