Stress is an all too common symptom of our modern world. It is not surprising that over time, sustained levels of stress will impact on how we function, our fitness, our reproductive health and our risk of stress-related illnesses. Disrupted sleep patterns further feed into poor health and our general feeling of well-being. Hormones that regulate the stress response and sleep can give us a clue as to how the body is coping with what we throw at it on a daily basis.