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Performance glossary

What is Cortisol?

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Quick answer

Cortisol: definition

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate the stress response, blood sugar, inflammation and the sleep-wake cycle.

Cortisol, explained

Cortisol follows a daily rhythm: it rises sharply after waking (the cortisol awakening response) and declines through the day. Acute rises help you meet challenges; chronically disrupted patterns are associated with poor sleep and other health issues.

Why it matters

Healthy cortisol rhythms support energy and sleep. Consistent sleep timing, morning light, exercise and stress management help.

Learn more

Performance · GuideHormone Health: Lifestyle Foundations for Balanced HormonesAn educational guide to hormone health: cortisol, insulin, thyroid, testosterone and estrogen, the lifestyle levers that influence them, life stages and what to ask your clinician.Performance · GuideResilience: Building a Body and Mind That Handle Stress WellResilience is your capacity to adapt to stress. Learn allostatic load, HRV, hormesis, evidence-based breathing practices, nature exposure and social connection.

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FAQ

Cortisol FAQs

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that helps regulate the stress response, blood sugar, inflammation and the sleep-wake cycle.

Why does Cortisol matter?

Healthy cortisol rhythms support energy and sleep. Consistent sleep timing, morning light, exercise and stress management help.

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