This graph shows the peak cortisol release over a 24-hour period for a "typical" person (it peaks around 8 am).
I recently did an at-home cortisol saliva test - I collected samples four times (morning, noon, evening, and at bedtime) throughout the day.
Since my sleep is delayed about four hours from a "normal" person, I did my morning sample at 11 am, my noon sample at 3 pm, my evening sample at 9 pm and my bedtime sample at 3 am.
My results show that my noon time cortisol sample was "elevated." This could suggest that it's not just the release of melatonin that's shifted to later. that I plan to re-do the test.
