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Updated: Jun 15, 2025

Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory
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The Cortisol Awakening Response: Regulation and Functional Significance.

Tobias Stalder1, Henrik Oster2, James L Abelson3

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany.

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|August 23, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) prepares the body for daily challenges by mobilizing resources. This response is finely tuned by circadian, environmental, and neurocognitive factors to manage activity demands and emotional experiences.

Keywords:
awakeningcortisolfunctionglucocorticoidpreparationregulation

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Neuroscience
  • Chronobiology

Background:

  • Cortisol secretion peaks in the morning, featuring a rapid rise known as the cortisol awakening response (CAR).
  • The CAR is thought to prepare the body for daily demands and challenges.
  • Understanding CAR regulation and function is crucial for comprehending daily physiological readiness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulatory and functional processes of the CAR.
  • To develop an integrative model of the CAR's functional role.
  • To elucidate the adaptive mechanisms underlying the CAR.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature on cortisol awakening response.
  • Development of a theoretical model integrating circadian, environmental, and neurocognitive factors.
  • Analysis of proposed genomic and non-genomic pathways of CAR action.

Main Results:

  • The CAR is regulated by a dual-control system involving circadian rhythms, environmental cues, and neurocognitive processes.
  • CAR expression predicts and prepares for daily cortisol needs.
  • CAR facilitates resource mobilization and counterregulates prior-day emotional experiences.

Conclusions:

  • The CAR is an adaptive response crucial for daily physiological and psychological regulation.
  • Its intricate regulation ensures optimal preparation for activity and stress.
  • The CAR plays a dual role in resource mobilization and emotional homeostasis.