The cortisol awakening response predicts same morning executive function: results from a 50-day case study
Robin Law1, Phil Evans1, Lisa Thorn1
1a Psychophysiology and Stress Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Westminster , London , UK.
Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|September 19, 2015
Summary
A stronger cortisol awakening response (CAR) predicts better daily executive function (EF). This study examined daily variations to support causality between CAR and cognitive performance.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
Background:
- Previous studies suggest a link between individual differences in cortisol awakening response (CAR) and executive function (EF).
- Establishing causality is challenging due to the cross-sectional nature of prior research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal relationship between CAR and EF by examining their daily co-variation.
- To determine if state variations in CAR predict subsequent EF performance.
Main Methods:
- A 50-day case study involving a single healthy male participant.
- Daily collection of saliva samples to measure CAR and completion of an attention-switching EF task.
- Control for confounding factors including wake time, sleep duration, fatigue, exercise, and alcohol consumption.
Main Results:
- Mixed regression modeling revealed that a greater CAR (increase in cortisol 0-30 min post-awakening) predicted better EF performance at 45 min post-awakening.
- This association remained significant (p=0.024) and was independent of all measured confounding variables.
- The CAR temporally preceded EF measurement, supporting a directional influence.
Conclusions:
- The findings provide stronger evidence for a causal link between the cortisol awakening response and executive function.
- The results support the hypothesis that CAR may "boost" an individual's cognitive performance for the day ahead.
- This research highlights the dynamic interplay between the endocrine system and cognitive function.
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