Cortisol and melatonin are markers of which process?

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Multiple Choice

Cortisol and melatonin are markers of which process?

Cortisol and melatonin reflect the body's circadian timing system—the internal 24-hour clock that controls when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. Cortisol typically peaks in the morning to help wakefulness, while melatonin rises in the evening to promote sleep. These daily rhythms are generated by the central circadian clock in the brain (the suprachiasmatic nucleus) and serve as markers of the circadian process (Process C). They don’t primarily indicate sleep pressure that builds with time awake (Process S), which is why they’re best described as indicators of Process C.

Cortisol and melatonin reflect the body's circadian timing system—the internal 24-hour clock that controls when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. Cortisol typically peaks in the morning to help wakefulness, while melatonin rises in the evening to promote sleep. These daily rhythms are generated by the central circadian clock in the brain (the suprachiasmatic nucleus) and serve as markers of the circadian process (Process C). They don’t primarily indicate sleep pressure that builds with time awake (Process S), which is why they’re best described as indicators of Process C.

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