If you’re tossing and turning at night, waking up in a sweat, or battling anxious thoughts before bed, your sleep issues could be linked to high cortisol levels. Cortisol, known as the body’s primary stress hormone, plays an essential role in managing your sleep-wake cycle. However, when it stays elevated, especially due to chronic stress, it can disrupt your body’s ability to rest, repair, and recharge. Studies show that high nighttime cortisol can lead to a range of sleep disturbances, some subtle and others more intense. Here are seven telltale signs your cortisol might be interfering with your sleep.
7 sleep symptoms that suggest your cortisol is too high
Night sweats
Waking up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat can be unsettling—and it’s not always due to the room temperature. High cortisol levels, especially in response to chronic stress, can disrupt the body’s thermoregulation. This hormonal imbalance causes your internal temperature to rise during the night, resulting in sweating that can wake you up and leave you feeling restless. According to research, cortisol tends to spike in the early morning hours, and if it rises too early or too high, night sweats can follow.
Waking up anxious
If you consistently wake up feeling anxious or on edge—even before your day begins—it could be a sign of elevated nighttime cortisol. This hormone prepares your body for “fight or flight,” so high levels can trigger morning anxiety, palpitations, or a sense of dread. Cortisol naturally begins to rise in the early morning to help you wake up, but when levels are dysregulated due to stress, the surge can come too early or too intensely, leaving you feeling tense and overwhelmed.
Sleeping in the mountain climber position
Your sleeping position might reveal more than just comfort preferences. The “mountain climber” position—where you’re face-down with your knees drawn up underneath—can indicate physical tension and subconscious stress. This curled-up posture may be your body’s response to internal unrest or a subconscious attempt to feel more secure while under stress. People with high cortisol may unknowingly adopt this position during restless sleep or after frequent wake-ups.
Difficulty falling asleep
One of the most common symptoms of elevated cortisol is trouble falling asleep. Cortisol should decrease in the evening to help the body wind down, but chronic stress can keep it elevated, making you feel wired and restless. If you lie in bed wide awake despite feeling tired, your body might still be in a state of physiological alertness, thanks to cortisol overriding your natural melatonin production.
Vivid nightmares
Nightmares aren’t just caused by scary movies. High cortisol levels can interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate emotions during REM sleep. This may lead to more vivid, disturbing dreams or frequent nightmares. Chronic stress and anxiety, both of which raise cortisol, have been shown to heighten dream intensity and increase the emotional tone of dreams, disrupting restful sleep and leaving you exhausted by morning.
Racing thoughts at bedtime
Do your thoughts speed up the moment your head hits the pillow? Racing thoughts, especially at night, are often fuelled by excess cortisol. As your mind replays the events of the day or fixates on tomorrow’s worries, your brain remains in an overactive state. This mental hyperarousal is linked to high cortisol, which can suppress melatonin and make it nearly impossible to transition into restful sleep.
Waking up in the middle of the night
Waking up once or multiple times during the night without reason may be your body’s way of responding to a cortisol spike. Normally, cortisol is low at night and starts to rise gradually before dawn. However, chronic stress or poor blood sugar regulation can lead to a sudden cortisol increase during sleep, pulling you out of deep rest and leaving you wide awake at 2 or 3 a.m. This can severely affect sleep continuity and lead to fatigue the next day.
How to lower cortisol and improve sleep
If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms regularly, consider the following steps to help regulate cortisol and restore better sleep:
- Follow a consistent sleep schedule to support your natural circadian rhythm
- Avoid screens and stimulating activities at least an hour before bed
- Limit caffeine and sugar intake, especially in the evening
- Incorporate stress-relieving practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or journaling
- Try adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or holy basil (under guidance)
- Consider professional help if chronic stress or sleep issues persist
High cortisol levels can deeply interfere with your body’s ability to rest and recover at night. Whether it’s night sweats, restless sleep, or waking up anxious, these disturbances are not just inconvenient—they’re signs your body may be stuck in stress mode. Recognising these patterns early and taking steps to restore hormonal balance can help you sleep more soundly and feel more energised during the day.Also Read: Skipping oral hygiene? The hidden link between your mouth and gut problems
