What Cortisol Is and Why Your Body Produces It? Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone,” but your body relies on it for far more than stress. It helps you wake up in the morning, it supports your energy through the day, and it sends your body the message to take action when something feels threatening. Your adrenal glands make cortisol and release it in a natural rhythm. Levels rise in the early morning to help you feel alert, then slowly fall as the day goes on. At nig