This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Schlotz, W. Articles by Stone, A. A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Schlotz, W. Articles by Stone, A. A. Related Collections Neuroendocrine Stress and Coping

Perceived Work Overload and Chronic Worrying Predict Weekend–Weekday Differences in the Cortisol Awakening Response

From the University of Trier (W.S., J.H., P.S.), Germany; and Stony Brook University (A.A.S.), New York, NY.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Wolff Schlotz, University of Trier, Department of Psychobiology, Johanniterufer 15, 54290 Trier, Germany. E-mail: schlotz{at}uni-trier.de

OBJECTIVE: The cortisol increase after awakening has been shown to be associated with work-related stress. Several studies demonstrated a moderate stability of cortisol awakening responses on subsequent days, suggesting situation-dependent variance. This study tests whether cortisol awakening responses are different on weekdays compared with weekend days and whether such differences may be explained by chronic work overload and worrying.

METHODS: Two hundred nineteen participants took saliva samples immediately after awakening and 30, 45, and 60 minutes later on 6 consecutive days starting on Saturday. Perceived chronic work overload and worrying were assessed by a standardized questionnaire.

RESULTS: There is a clear weekend–weekday difference in the cortisol response to awakening. This difference is associated with chronic work overload and worry. Independent of sex and weekend–weekday differences in time of awakening and sleep duration, participants who report higher levels of chronic work overload and worrying show a stronger increase and higher mean levels of cortisol after awakening on weekdays, but not on weekend days.

CONCLUSIONS: The weekend–weekday differences in the cortisol awakening response and their association with chronic stress clearly demonstrate that the day of cortisol assessment is crucial in psychoendocrinological stress studies.

Key Words: cortisol awakening response, • salivary cortisol, • weekend, • perceived stress, • work overload, • worry.

Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance;; CAR = cortisol awakening response;; GLM = general linear model;; HPA = hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				E. K. Adam, L. C. Hawkley, B. M. Kudielka, and J. T. Cacioppo Day-to-day dynamics of experience-cortisol associations in a population-based sample of older adults PNAS, November 7, 2006; 103(45): 17058 - 17063. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. W. Groer Differences Between Exclusive Breastfeeders, Formula-Feeders, and Controls: A Study of Stress, Mood, and Endocrine Variables Biol Res Nurs, October 1, 2005; 7(2): 106 - 117. [Abstract] [PDF]

				A. Rozanski and L. D. Kubzansky Psychologic Functioning and Physical Health: A Paradigm of Flexibility Psychosom Med, May 1, 2005; 67(Supplement_1): S47 - S53. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]