Cortisol is more than just a stress hormone; its primary role is to tell other body systems when it’s night and day, so that they can function appropriately and in a synchronized fashion. Cortisol works in partnership with its night-time counterpart melatonin, a hormone secreted from the pineal gland in response to darkness. Cortisol and melatonin are counter-regulatory, thus if cortisol is high at night, it will inhibit melatonin secretion during sleep.
Dr. Kate Hefferon, PhD

The Author of this Quote

Dr. Kate Hefferon, PhD
Author

Dr. Kate Hefferon, PhD

Chartered Research Psychologist
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