Hormone of stress involved notably in the quality of sleep and awakening
Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It plays a key role in regulating stress, metabolism, the immune system and blood pressure. Secreted in response to a signal from the hypothalamus and pituitary, it follows a circadian rhythm, with a peak in the morning to aid awakening and a progressive decrease during the day. An excess or deficit of cortisol can lead to disorders such as Cushing syndrome (excess) or Addison’s disease (deficit).
Other words that might interest you
- Dopamine :
- Nicknamed the "pleasure molecule", dopamine is a chemical messenger that allows information to flow between certain types of neuron.
- Noradrenaline (or norepinephrine) :
- Noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in regulating physiological and behavioral responses, including stress response, alertness, memory, impulsivity and attention. It also regulates our blood pressure and heart rate.