Work Thoughts Trigger Stress

By: Michael Lam, MD, MPH
www.DrLam.com

In a study of 75 men and women, UK experts noted that subjects showed steeper increases in the stress hormone cortisol on workday mornings than on days off. Since this rise occurred within 30 minutes of waking up, the mere anticipation of work may trigger job-related stress, according to Dr Andrew Steptoe and his team at University College London.

What was most interesting in the findings was that cortisol levels during the rest of the workday were similar to those on days off. Earlier research has shown similar results with some evidence suggesting the early-morning increase in cortisol is highest among people with high job stress.

In the study, Dr Steptoe and his team measured cortisol levels in the participants' saliva. Samples were taken immediately upon waking, 30 minutes after waking and every two hours until late evening. Regardless of the day, the participants' cortisol levels were highest in the morning. The sharpest increase however occurred 30 minutes after waking on workdays.

Information provided is courtesy of and compiled by the Academy of Anti-aging Research staff, editors, and other reports.

Anti-Aging Perspective:

Cortisol is one hormone that is pro-aging. The hormone plays a key role in regulating metabolism, blood pressure and cardiovascular function, and it suppresses immune system activity. Cortisol also helps the body respond to stress, mobilizing the body and preparing it for vigorous activity. Excessive cortisol levels are believed to wear on the heart, brain, metabolism and other bodily functions. Cortisol levels naturally wax and wane over the course of a day, peaking in the morning and declining through the afternoon and morning.

Besides stress, cortisol level also goes up with high sugar intake. Taking desert at night will increase the cortisol level. A high cortisol level also inhibits the release of growth hormone level in our body. Growth hormone is one anti-aging hormone we need more of during the aging process.

The lesson from this study is simple: reduce stress and live longer!

Message from Dr. Lam

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article. If you have areas you don't understand,
or if you have a specific health concern, feel free to write to me by clicking here.

About The Author

Michael Lam, M.D., M.P.H., A.B.A.A.M. is a specialist in Preventive and Anti-Aging Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine, California. He also holds a Masters of Public Health degree and is Board Certified in Anti-aging Medicine by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. He has authored numerous articles and the following books: The Five Proven Secrets to Longevity, How to Stay Young and Live Longer, Estrogen Dominance - Hormonal Imbalance of the 21st Century, and Beating Cancer with Natural Medicine.

For More Information

For the latest anti-aging related health issues, visit Dr. Lam at www.DrLam.com.
Feel free to email Dr. Lam by clicking here if you have any questions.

Ownership and Use

This Web Site and all content and materials included on this Web Site, including without limitation all information, text, graphics, illustrations, photos, video, sound and software (collectively the "Content"), are copyrighted and protected under U.S. and international copyright laws, trademark and other intellectual property laws and treaties and are the exclusive property of Dr. Michael Lam. Dr. Michael Lam hereby retains all right, title, and interest in the Content.

All rights are reserved. You may not store, modify, create derivative works of, translate, distribute, publish, transmit, sell or participate in any sale of, or exploit in any way any Content in any form or by any means. You acknowledge that you do not acquire any ownership rights by downloading material from this Web Site. You are authorized to view this Web Site for informational purposes only. No part of this Web Site or Content can be redistributed, copied, adapted or reproduced without the prior written consent of Dr. Michael Lam.

This content is copyright protected