What is cortisol commonly associated with in terms of stress response?

Cortisol is a hormone that is often referred to as the "stress hormone" because it plays a critical role in the body's response to stress. When an individual experiences a stressful situation, cortisol is released from the adrenal glands as part of the hormonal response known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. This release helps prepare the body to cope with the stressor by mobilizing energy resources, enhancing alertness, and influencing various physiological functions to aid in responding to the challenge.

The role of cortisol includes elevating blood sugar levels, assisting in metabolism regulation, and modulating immune responses; these functions all contribute to an organism's ability to confront or adapt to stressors effectively. Thus, coupling this response to the action of coping with stressors captures the essence of what cortisol represents in the context of stress management.

Cortisol does not primarily function to reduce stress, reinforce relaxation, or induce sleepiness. On the contrary, during moments of stress, elevated cortisol levels can lead to heightened alertness and energy mobilization, which are not conducive to relaxation or sleep. Understanding cortisol's role in stress response highlights its importance in equipping the body with the necessary resources to handle challenging situations, making "cope with