The Cortisol Profile, Waking marker refers to the pattern of cortisol secretion within the first hour after waking up. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, playing a pivotal role in the human body's response to stress, metabolism regulation, immune response modulation, and maintenance of homeostasis. The waking cortisol profile is characterized by a sharp increase in cortisol levels upon awakening, known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR). This response is a part of the circadian rhythm of cortisol secretion, which generally follows a diurnal pattern, peaking in the early morning hours and gradually declining throughout the day to reach its lowest point at night.
Scientific interest in the CAR stems from its potential as an indicator of psychological and physiological well-being. Variations in the magnitude and pattern of the CAR have been associated with different stress-related conditions, including chronic stress, depression, and anxiety disorders, as well as with physical health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
The underlying mechanisms of the CAR are complex and involve the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which orchestrates the body's response to stress. Activation of the HPA axis leads to the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus, which in turn stimulates the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland, ultimately triggering cortisol release from the adrenal glands.
Cortisol Profile, Waking
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