What Is Cortisol?

Definition

Cortisol is a stress hormone released by the body to help respond to challenges. Often called the "fight or flight" hormone, it plays a vital role in energy regulation, immune function, and short-term stress management.

Why It Matters

While cortisol is essential in the short term, chronically elevated levels take a significant toll on the brain. High cortisol affects memory, focus, mood, and sleep quality — creating a cycle where stress disrupts sleep, and poor sleep drives more stress.

Common Causes of Elevated Cortisol

• Constant stress
• Poor sleep
• Overstimulation

The Vitalogy Project Approach

Our Calm & Relax formula is designed to help regulate stress responses and cortisol signalling, supporting calm, focus, and mental resilience. Because elevated cortisol disrupts both sleep and cognitive performance, pairing Calm & Relax with our Sleep Health supplement and Brain Health Performance Supplement provides a complete strategy for breaking the stress-sleep-cognition cycle.