What are the effects of cortisol during stress?

• A. It slows down metabolism and promotes sleep.
• B. It increases blood sugar and suppresses the immune system.
• C. It enhances immune function and reduces energy levels.
• D. It has no impact on blood sugar levels.

Answer: (B)

Cortisol, often referred to as the "stress hormone," has several critical functions during times of stress. One of its primary roles is to help the body manage and respond to stress effectively. When faced with a stressor, cortisol is released into the bloodstream, leading to increased glucose (blood sugar) levels. This surge provides the body with immediate energy, which is vital for a "fight or flight" response.

Additionally, cortisol suppresses the immune system as a part of its mechanism to redirect energy and resources away from non-essential functions (like immune response) to prioritize survival. This suppression occurs because prolonged immune activation during stress can lead to inflammation and other complications, so cortisol helps to modulate and decrease this response.

These actions of cortisol — increasing blood sugar and suppressing immune function — are crucial to understand in various contexts, especially in how prolonged stress can lead to negative health outcomes due to elevated cortisol levels.