Waking up is supposed to feel peaceful and restful, or so we may think. But for those who suffer from anxiety, mornings can be especially difficult. All too often, a surge of anxious feelings overwhelms us upon opening our eyes. You may wonder why your anxiety seems to peak first thing in the morning. You are not alone. Let's explore why this happens. Cortisol Awakening Response When you wake up, your body releases a surge of cortisol, the “get up and go” hormone that helps