How Do You Lower Cortisol Levels At Night?
Cortisol, a hormone created in the adrenal gland, is known as the “stress hormone.” It is one of the body’s instinctual response hormones in a fight or flight situation. High levels of cortisol at night have been linked to disruptive sleep patterns. Relaxation techniques used before bedtime have been proven to lower cortisol and provide a more restful sleep. Additional effects of high cortisol levels are a lowered immune system and short-term memory loss, among others. Step 1 Take a hot bath with Epsom salts before bed. This will help to relax and prepare you for sleep. Step 2 Ask your partner for a foot massage. Sometimes busy brains mean that there is too much energy being spent in the upper part of your body. A relaxing foot massage helps redistribute that energy to other parts of the body. Step 3 Turn off the television. Often watching the news and other informative shows can stimulate fear and tension, two emotions which start the secretion of cortisol. Read a book instead to help
