Question about CORTISOL test and sleeping patterns?

[jesse1993]

I was supposed to take a urine test for a cortisol deficiency like a week ago, but my sleeping patterns have been kind of messed up.

I went to sleep yesterday around 7AM, and woke up around 6PM.

It's 6AM right now, and I'm about to leave for school. I really need to turn in this test, so I thought I'd do it today. I'll be going to sleep either after school, or tonight, but will this mess up my results? I know cortisol changes during the day, but I really need to get this done. I'm very, very tired, and have been trying to fall asleep for hours and hours, but I haven't been able to.

Can I still take the test now?

[jesse1993]

No, I've already taken it where it was too low (I went to sleep at a normal time), now I'm retaking it and I was just wondering if it'd affect my results. Thanks for answering!

[allmymarbles]

Sounds more like high cortisol. The normal saliva and urine test are 24-hour samples. I had the same problem you do about getting to sleep late, but took the test anyway. The result - high cortisol.

[rumpled]

Are you talking about a 24 hour urine test?
That can be done in any 24 hour period. So as long as you start it, discard the first void, note the time, and end at that time by voiding at that time.

You have to keep the sample cold - so you are probably better off doing this at home, or where you can keep a cooler.

It does not matter if you fall asleep just that you cover a 24 hour period.