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Cortisol levels have a natural 24 hour rhythm that regulates our energy level and impacts sleep.This rhythm of cortisol serves our energy needs. When we start the day and need energy cortisol is high. At night when we would normally be resting or sleeping, cortisol levels are low.In the early morning hours (from 5 AM to 7 AM) the brain signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol. Cortisol levels rise, signaling the body to convert stored fuel into sugar. And blood sugar rises as a result. The early morning rise of cortisol stimulates the release of fuel so that the cells have the energy supplies they need to function. Remember that cortisol raises blood sugar levels to provide more fuel for all of the cells of the body, but particularly the brain and muscles (including the heart). After a long night’s sleep you haven’t eaten (in most cases) for 10-12 hours. During the day eating every 4-5 hours provides fuel. Food is digested and provides protein, fat and carbohydrate which is burned immediately or stored. At night during sleep our fuel needs are much less. Cellular activity of most organs slows down dramatically. But still, after a long night’s sleep (with no fuel coming in from food) blood sugar tends to drop. 
Normally, cortisol secretion surges to a peak at dawn...then drops through the rest of the day and during the night.Muscle cells need energy to contract and move your limbs as you get out of bed. Brain cells need energy to think as you begin to plan your day. Stomach, pancreas and intestinal cells need energy to digest your breakfast. Liver cells need energy to process digested food streaming in from the intestines.In its wisdom, the brain stimulates cortisol release to its highest peak early in the morning. Through the rest of the day cortisol levels drop. During the evening and at night cortisol drops to its lowest levels. Imagine yourself as a car. The adrenal glands and cortisol are your accelerator. When you step on the gas pedal you send more fuel to your engine (in this case the millions of cells in your body). 
In the morning and through the day you keep your foot on the gas pedal to keep moving. At night you take your foot off the gas so that you can slow down and park (sleep). If you are under lots of stress your cortisol levels are higher than normal. This is like having your foot on the gas pedal night and day. At night your adrenal (stress) glands are telling your body to “WAKE UP”. The adrenals are sounding a constant alarm. Other parts of you are saying “TIME TO SLEEP”. An night time, in response to darkness, the brain also releases melatonin. Melatonin brings on sleep. High stress hormone levels cause a tug of war at night. Cortisol says stay awake and melatonin says go to sleep. The result is pour sleep. Going back to the car analogy--at night, when you want to turn off your engine you can’t. 
How often have you heard “I’ve got to have my coffee to get going in the morning.”Coffee (caffeine) stimulates secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Needing coffee in the morning to get going is a sign that the adrenal glands are overworked. They are not able to produce an adequate surge of cortisol in the morning to mobilize fuel reserves when needed.From Cortisol Levels to Causes of Insomnia To Home Page.
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