Mainly asking to understand how cortisol works in the morning. Why take coffee and hot after walking up? Why not use the phone in the morning?
In: Biology
Cortisol is like a little helper in our bodies that shows up when we’re scared or stressed. It gives us energy to deal with the scary stuff, like a superhero power-up. But if it sticks around too much, it can make us feel tired or sick, like when we eat too much candy. So, it’s important to let it do its job but not let it hang around too long, or else we might not feel so good.
Cortisol is the stress hormone. It is released when the anterior pituitary gland sends adrenocorticotropic hormone to the zona fasciculata – the middle layer of the adrenal cortex. This layer produces cortisol, which can be helpful in the short term. It breaks down protein and fat, as well as increasing blood sugar for energy.
But chronic stress is a problem, as high blood sugar can lead to weight gain and diabetes, and the other effects of cortisol are damaging when experienced chronically
Cortisol is a hormone that helps you get energy. While you’re sleeping, you’re fasting, so you need to increase cortisol in order to not become hypoglycemic. Cortisol also helps you wake up and become alert.
Unless you are taking a steroid medication, or have another serious health condition, having “excess cortisol” is not a serious concern.
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