(These normal endogenous functions are the basis for the physiological consequences of chronic stress - prolonged cortisol secretion.).

These include increase in heart rate, cortisol secretion, and breakdown of glycogen and fat.

Dr. Gold, for example, noted that every drug that combats depression also controls the excessive cortisol secretion that may be leading to heart disease.

Normally, the highest cortisol secretion happens in the second half of the night with peak cortisol production occurring in the early morning.

In acute states of severe stress, cortisol secretion by the adrenal gland increases up to sixfold, parallel to the severity of the condition.

A 1999 study found that sleep deprivation resulted in reduced cortisol secretion the next day, driven by increased subsequent slow-wave sleep.

Adult rats separated from their mothers for a few hours each day soon after birth show exaggerated cortisol secretion in response to stress, researchers have found.

Studies have shown that excess cortisol secretion in animals increases visceral fat.

Increased stress-even a tooth extraction-results in higher cortisol secretion in the normal individual.

Caffeine can increase cortisol secretion, some tolerance is developed.