The Differential Roles of Sleep and Stress Predicting Cortisol and Salivary Alpha Amylase Reactivity

Salivary biomarkers such as cortisol and alpha-amylase (sAA) have been linked to maladaptive health outcomes, but what variables may dictate poor response patterns of reactivity is not well understood. This study utilized the Trier Social Stress Task with a sample of adolescents (N=40) to explore these relationships further. When used in conjunction with other potential risk factors, the analyses revealed differential predictive values for both sleep and stress predicting cortisol levels pre and post the stress task. Sleep and stress also showed significantly different predictive values for cortisol and sAA reactivity.