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Cortisol Awakening Response Assessment

Meaning

Cortisol Awakening Response Assessment (CAR Assessment) is a specific clinical procedure used to evaluate the acute, predictable surge of cortisol that occurs within 30 to 45 minutes after waking. This response serves as a sensitive biomarker reflecting the functional status and reactivity of the HPA axis to anticipated daily demands. Analyzing the magnitude and shape of this initial spike provides crucial insight into underlying stress resilience. It is a dynamic snapshot of the body’s morning readiness.