There is no single hormone that is specifically released at 4 AM. However, cortisol, a stress hormone, typically reaches its peak levels in the early morning hours, often between 4 AM and 8 AM.
Cortisol plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including:
- Waking up: It helps us wake up and feel alert in the morning.
- Energy levels: It boosts energy levels and promotes alertness.
- Metabolism: It regulates blood sugar levels and helps break down fat for energy.
- Immune function: It helps fight inflammation and infection.
While cortisol levels fluctuate throughout the day, they are generally highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. This natural rhythm is influenced by the body's circadian clock, which is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles.
Factors such as stress, sleep quality, and diet can affect cortisol levels and their timing. For example, people who are chronically stressed may experience higher cortisol levels throughout the day, including the early morning hours.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual variations can occur.
