Saliva Samples

We are measuring your stress levels through a hormone in your saliva. The hormone is in your saliva after you wake up. This is a standard stress measure that is very important to the research.

If you wake up during sleep and plan to go back to sleep, do not begin sampling. Only begin when you’re awake for the final time and you plan to get up.

No, please do not fall back to sleep or snooze after your initial awakening.

No, our saliva analysis only tests for cortisol levels. We will not access other hormones, DNA, or anything else in your saliva.

No, this would contaminate the samples.

Imagine your favorite food. Move your jaw in a chewing motion. Press the tip of your tongue against your teeth. These activities can help to produce saliva. Be patient, it can take a couple of minutes.

Text us and we will send you a new kit to do the samples again. We cannot use saliva that has been contaminated. Drinking water is okay, but nothing else is allowed.

Text us and we will send you a new kit to do the samples again. The timing of the samples is very important to have accurate data.

Yes, if you take medications first thing in the morning, it is ok to take those with water. Do not eat or drink anything other than water.