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Morning Alertness Gradient

Meaning

The Morning Alertness Gradient is a clinical descriptor for the natural, steep increase in cognitive function and subjective wakefulness that occurs shortly after awakening, driven primarily by the diurnal rhythm of cortisol secretion. A healthy gradient is characterized by a rapid, robust rise in cortisol levels, known as the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), which facilitates the transition from sleep to an alert, metabolically active state. A flattened or delayed gradient is often symptomatic of HPA axis dysregulation, contributing to morning fatigue and reduced daytime vitality. This metric is a key indicator of circadian and adrenal health.