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Cortisol Awakening Response Timing

Meaning

Cortisol Awakening Response Timing refers to the precise chronometric measurement and clinical modulation of the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), a sharp, transient increase in cortisol secretion occurring shortly after waking from sleep. This physiological event is a robust indicator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis integrity and the body’s capacity to anticipate and prepare for the day’s perceived stressors. Proper timing is crucial for setting the diurnal rhythm of alertness and energy metabolism.