Stress, Adrenocortical Activity and Sleep Habits

Increased activity in the adrenal cortex has long been noted as a component of a non-specific reaction to stress. Levels of adrenocortical steroid excretion have been shown to be related to individual differences in the ability to cope with everyday life, and sleep patterns also seem to reflect this quality. The way a person sleeps may, therefore, be a useful indication of stress.