Mechanism of Insomnia Cortisol Cortisol is typically thought of as the stress hormone in humans, but it is also the awakening hormone. Analyzing saliva samples taken in the morning has shown that patients with insomnia wake up with significantly lower cortisol levels when compared to a control group with regular sleeping patterns. Further studies have revealed that those with lower levels of cortisol upon awakening also have poorer memory consolidation in comparison to those with normal levels of cortisol.
Studies support that larger amounts of cortisol released in the evening occur in primary insomnia. In this case, drugs related to calming mood disorders or anxiety, such as antidepressants, would regulate the cortisol levels and help prevent insomnia. Estrogen Many postmenopausal women have reported changes in sleep patterns since entering menopause that reflect symptoms of insomnia.…
