Endocrine Abstracts

IntroductionSevere physical, and psychiatric illnesses are characterised by high cortisol levels and disturbance in circadian rhythm. A distinct awakening cortisol response and a marked diurnal decline is reported to be associated with better physical and psychological health, deviations from this pattern are negative for health. It is however not known if ITU patients have any specific cortisol pattern associated with their altered sleep awakeness cycle...