Cortisol and melatonin are usually in a balance based on one's circadian rhythm. Cortisol peaks in the morning to wake you up and give you alertness, and melatonin peaks at night to help you fall asleep. Circadian imbalances from imbalanced cortisol and melatonin can lead to daytime sleepiness and brain processing issues such as decreased alertness and problems with memory and decision-making.

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If you have a constant increase in cortisol due to worry and stress, your natural rhythm is disturbed. On the other hand, if you do not get the appropriate physical and hormonal stimulant of nightly rise of melatonin, in addition to sleep disruption, you also lose out on the many benefits of melatonin, such as antioxidant support, immune modulation, and gut-healing properties.