Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR) Saliva Test

At-home saliva test measuring the rise in cortisol during the first hour after waking.

What this test measures

Cortisol in saliva, collected at set intervals across the first 30 to 60 minutes after waking.

Why these markers matter

Cortisol normally rises sharply in the first half hour after waking, then begins to fall. That rise is a distinct feature of the daily rhythm, and it's measured separately because it describes something the rest of the curve doesn't. Capturing it requires tight timing — the window is short and the measurements are close together. That's the whole design of this test.

What you get

Kit posted to you with labelled tubes and precise timing instructions. Results shown as the awakening curve in your private dashboard.

Before you collect

Timing is unusually strict — collect immediately on waking and then at the exact intervals given, without getting up for long, eating, drinking or brushing teeth in between. Set alarms. Collect on a normal day, not one with an early flight or unusual wake time.

Who this suits

People working with a practitioner specifically on the awakening response rather than the whole day.

Your next step

Once you have your results, book with a Canwell naturopath, nutritionist or practitioner to talk them through and build a wellness plan that suits you. Book with Canwell