Cortisol, commonly referred to as the stress hormone, has garnered attention from experts as a potential factor contributing to disrupted sleep in some individuals. Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol levels surge during moments of stress and play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including metabolism regulation, blood pressure maintenance, inflammation reduction, and blood sugar level control.
However, the extent of cortisol’s impact on awakening people during sleep remains a subject of ongoing investigation. Dr. Jocelyn Cheng, a neurologist specializing in epilepsy and sleep medicine, and vice-chair of the public safety committee at the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, cautioned against oversimplifying sleep health by attributing it solely to one specific cause.
Mark Wetherell, a professor of health psychobiology at Northumbria University in the United Kingdom, who studies stress’s effects on health, suggested that cortisol might be better characterized as “the energizing hormone.” He explained that cortisol redirects resources from certain bodily systems, including the immune, digestive, and reproductive systems, to enable individuals to respond to external stimuli effectively.
According to WebMD, elevated cortisol levels can lead to rapid weight gain, diabetes, muscle weakness, and increased susceptibility to bruising. While cortisol’s acute responses are adaptive in the short term, chronic or frequent stress can lead to system malfunctions, resulting in the long-term health problems associated with stress.
Cortisol’s relationship with the sleep cycle is noteworthy. Much like the natural sleep cycle, cortisol follows a 24-hour rhythm. Typically, cortisol levels dip to their lowest point around midnight, gradually rise two to three hours after falling asleep, and peak around the time an individual wakes up.
While experts continue to explore the intricate interplay between cortisol and sleep, it is increasingly evident that a multifaceted approach is necessary to comprehend the complexities of sleep health fully.
