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Cortisol Awakening Response Dynamics

Meaning

Cortisol Awakening Response Dynamics refers to the characteristic and quantifiable pattern of cortisol secretion immediately following waking, specifically the rapid, sharp increase in circulating cortisol concentration that typically peaks approximately 30 to 45 minutes after arousal. The dynamics describe the amplitude, slope, and total area under the curve of this acute physiological surge, which serves as a critical biomarker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis integrity and anticipatory stress regulation. A healthy response is indicative of robust endocrine resilience and efficient transition from sleep to wakefulness.