title: The biological clock modulates the human cortisol response in a multiplicative fashion.
abstract: Human cortisol levels follow a clear circadian rhythm. We investigated the contribution of alternation of sleep and wakefulness and the circadian clock, using forced desynchrony. Cortisol levels were best described by a multiplication of a circadian and a wake-time component. The human cortisol response is modulated by circadian phase. Exposure to stress at an unnatural phase, as in shift work, is predicted to result in abnormal cortisol levels. Health of shift workers may therefore improve when stress is reduced at times when the clock produces high stress sensitivity.
authors: Department of Chronobiology, Centre for Life Sciences, University of Groningen , Groningen , the Netherlands.
authors: Maan
authors: M
authors: van de Werken
authors: Sanne H
authors: SH
authors: Booij
authors: J Esi
authors: JE
authors: van der Zwan
authors: Mirre J P
authors: MJ
authors: Simons
authors: Marijke C M
authors: MC
authors: Gordijn
authors: Domien G M
authors: DG
authors: Beersma
mesh_terms: D000204:Activity Cycles; D001683:Biological Clocks; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008550:Melatonin / Q000378:metabolism; D017440:Photoperiod; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism; D012890:Sleep; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D013312:Stress, Physiological; D013997:Time Factors; D014851:Wakefulness; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D008550:Melatonin; D006854:Hydrocortisone