SAD: a cortisol connection?
Published on Thu 16 Dec 2010
The hormone cortisol helps to regulate blood pressure and metabolism and in healthy adults is usually at its highest level first thing in the morning - to set you up for the day - and lowest at night.
New research showed that in a group of people with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) the natural cortisol response on waking is reduced during the winter months; this correlated with reports of increased depression, stress and anxiety in winter.
This suggests that cortisol levels may play a role in SAD. Dawn simulation, or waking up with light, has been shown to boost cortisol levels on awakening (some of the studies used Lumie Bodyclock) and we recommend SAD sufferers try Lumie Bodyclock to help them get up in the winter.
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