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Hong Kong Study Links Monday Anxiety to 23% Higher Cortisol in Older Adults

Researchers say dysregulated HPA-axis activity on Mondays leaves older adults vulnerable to heart disease

Mondays leave a distinct stress-response mark on your body, new research finds
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New year day marked with red marker

Overview

  • Analysis of hair samples from over 3,500 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing showed those reporting anxiety on Mondays had 23% more cortisol than peers anxious on other days.
  • The ‘Anxious Monday’ effect was consistent in both working and retired individuals, indicating it stems from cultural stress patterns rather than job demands.
  • Scientists pinpointed disruption of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis as the mechanism driving sustained hormone elevation after Monday stress.
  • Long-term cortisol spikes are linked to weakened immunity, hypertension, heart disease and metabolic disorders.
  • Experts recommend that hospitals plan for increased Monday cardiovascular events and that individuals use weekly stress inventories to manage anxiety.