CORTISOL AWAKENING RESPONSE
The C.A.R. measures the rise and fall of cortisol levels at waking and through the day, and can be used as a “mini stress test”. This gives a key insight into your daily energy levels and their rise and fall.
What is the Cortisol Awakening Response and how do we test for it?
Cortisol is a hormone produced by your Adrenal Glands, that's largely responsible for your mental energy.
When we open our eyes upon waking, cortisol levels naturally begin to rise by an average of 50%.
30 minutes after waking, cortisol levels will still show this sharp increase.
By 60 minutes after waking, cortisol levels have peaked and begin to decline.
Measuring this rise and fall of cortisol levels at waking can be used as a “mini stress test”.
A low or blunted Cortisol Awakening Response
This can be a result of low-functioning Adrenal glands that aren't producing enough Cortisol, excessive psychological burnout, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sleep apnea or poor sleep in general, PTSD, chronic fatigue, and/or chronic pain.
A decreased CAR has also been associated with systemic hypertension, functional GI diseases, postpartum depression, and autoimmune diseases.
An elevated Cortisol Awakening Response
This can be a result of over-functioning Adrenal glands that are producing too much Cortisol, ongoing job-related stress (anticipatory stress for the day), blood-sugar dysregulation, pain (i.e. waking with painful joints or a migraine), and depression.
See page 2 of the sample report below, for how the Cortisol Awakening Response may present.
With the data retrieved from this test, we can further personalise your program to have you feeling more energised during the day, restful at night, mentally positive, and more resiliant in the face of stress.
Testing Method: 3 morning saliva samples at 0, 30, and 60 minutes from waking, done at home.
*Pricing includes 1x initial and 1x follow-up consultations
HK$
2200