Awesome links! Thanks. I am hereby more educated than I was.
Smoking acutely elevates not just cortisol from the adrenal zona fasciculata, but also catecholamines (dopa-->norepi-->epi) from the adrenal medulla and DHEA production from the zona reticularis. I had no idea that cigs were responsible for such adrenal overstimulation. It kind of makes sense esp when I think of smokers I know who crave that very first morning cigarette the most. Because they need the kick to get their adrenals working! Cool.
There is also a relaxing effect of cigs, that has something to do with the binding of nicotinic receptors. Know anything about that?
I have to focus on other matters for a few days, I will be interested to hear the results of your cortisol test! The fact that you are sleeping better is pretty convincing. I bet your levels have already normalized.
smoking kicks adrenals into high gear
Smoking acutely elevates not just cortisol from the adrenal zona fasciculata, but also catecholamines (dopa-->norepi-->epi) from the adrenal medulla and DHEA production from the zona reticularis. I had no idea that cigs were responsible for such adrenal overstimulation. It kind of makes sense esp when I think of smokers I know who crave that very first morning cigarette the most. Because they need the kick to get their adrenals working! Cool.
There is also a relaxing effect of cigs, that has something to do with the binding of nicotinic receptors. Know anything about that?
I have to focus on other matters for a few days, I will be interested to hear the results of your cortisol test! The fact that you are sleeping better is pretty convincing. I bet your levels have already normalized.