Low cortisol levels can increase the risk of wellness issues, including fatigue, weakness, sleep regulation, and dehydration (Lieberman et al., 2005; Liu & Reddy, 2022). Low cortisol levels can sometimes lead to severe co-morbidities, such as Addison’s disease. (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2017).

 

Lieberman, H. R., Bathalon, G. P., Falco, C. M., Kramer, F. M., Morgan, C. A., 3rd, & Niro, P. (2005). Severe decrements in cognition function and mood induced by sleep loss, heat, dehydration, and undernutrition during simulated combat. Biological psychiatry, 57(4), 422–429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.11.014

Liu, P. Y., & Reddy, R. T. (2022). Sleep, testosterone and cortisol balance, and ageing men. Reviews in endocrine & metabolic disorders, 23(6), 1323–1339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-022-09755-4

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Adrenal insufficiency and Addison’s disease. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease