TitleInterindividual differences and intraindividual variability in the cortisol awakening response: an examination of age and gender.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2009
AuthorsAlmeida, DM, Piazza, JR, Stawski, RS
JournalPsychol Aging
Volume24
Issue4
Pagination819-27
Date Published2009 Dec
ISSN1939-1498
KeywordsAdult, Age Factors, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Female, Humans, Hydrocortisone, Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System, Individuality, Male, Middle Aged, Pituitary-Adrenal System, Saliva, Stress, Psychological, Wakefulness
Abstract

<p>This article shows age and gender differences in the magnitude and day-to-day variability of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) using a national sample of 1,143 adults who completed the second wave of the National Study of Daily Experiences, a part of the Midlife Development in the United States survey. Participants between the ages of 33 and 84 years completed 8 consecutive nightly interviews and provided 4 saliva samples (upon waking, 30 min after waking, before lunch, and before bed) on 4 consecutive interview days. Results revealed substantial day-to-day variability in the CAR as well as significant AgexGender interactions, indicating that although no systematic age-related differences emerged for women, the magnitude and day-to-day variability of the CAR increased with age among men.</p>

DOI10.1037/a0017910
Alternate JournalPsychol Aging
PubMed ID20025398
PubMed Central IDPMC2810505
Grant ListR01 AG019239 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
R01 AG019239-06 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
P01 AG020166 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States