Sleep Loss Elevates Cortisol Levels the Following Evening
How Does Sleep Loss Affect Your Stress Hormone Levels?
Sleep loss significantly elevates cortisol levels the following evening, disrupting the natural daily rhythm of this crucial stress hormone. Research shows that after sleep deprivation, cortisol levels remain elevated during evening hours when they should naturally be declining in preparation for sleep. This creates a vicious cycle where sleep loss increases stress hormones, which can then interfere with subsequent sleep quality and timing, potentially perpetuating sleep problems and chronic stress responses.
