Cortisol Confusion: Are We Too Tired or Too Stressed? Experts clarify!

Cortisol Confusion: Are We Too Tired or Too Stressed? Experts clarify!

Discussions are simmering on social media: There have previously been complaints about high cortisol levels, which are supposedly responsible for obesity. Now, however, it is claimed that low cortisol levels are the problem for all of us and make us constantly tired. The Krone.at reported on this sudden change of heart among influencers who often give such health advice without any expertise. Within just a few months, the narrative was reversed, and many users are now wondering who is really telling the truth.

A study in PLOS ONE published examines the effects of social media use on physiological stress responses. Despite initial fears that social media could cause stress, the results of the research showed that participants' stress levels actually decreased while using it. These unexpected findings raise questions about the connection between digital platforms and psychological responses, a topic that has been receiving increasing attention recently. However, the influence of cortisol on our health remains a complex and controversial topic that concerns both experts and laypeople.

The jump from overestimation to underestimation of cortisol shows how dynamic and sometimes confusing the information spread through social media is. Users are required to handle such health information critically because the effects can be far-reaching. As influencers continue to spread their theories, it is advisable to rely on sound scientific evidence to better understand and categorize your own health.