Which statement accurately describes diurnal variation of CORT?

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Multiple Choice

Which statement accurately describes diurnal variation of CORT?

Cortisol follows a daily rhythm tied to the body's internal clock. Its levels rise toward the morning, producing a cortisol awakening response shortly after waking to help mobilize energy for the day, and then fall as the day progresses, reaching a low point at night. This pattern—an early-morning increase followed by a gradual evening decrease—best describes how CORT varies across the day. Outside influences like stress, shift work, or sleep disruption can alter the pattern, but the typical diurnal course is higher in the morning and lower in the evening.

Cortisol follows a daily rhythm tied to the body's internal clock. Its levels rise toward the morning, producing a cortisol awakening response shortly after waking to help mobilize energy for the day, and then fall as the day progresses, reaching a low point at night. This pattern—an early-morning increase followed by a gradual evening decrease—best describes how CORT varies across the day. Outside influences like stress, shift work, or sleep disruption can alter the pattern, but the typical diurnal course is higher in the morning and lower in the evening.

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