Originally Posted by mrsd

increase around 4pm because that is when the first dip in your natural cortisol occurs. This is why people often have tea and a snack at that time. (this raises cortisol faster). Cortisol levels are highest at around 8am, and/or after breakfast.

There are two major dips per 24 hrs. 1 around 3:30-4am, and the one at 4pm (this one is smaller than the 4am one). This is called the diurnal cortisol cycle. It is commonly seen in hospitals that severely ill people die in greater numbers at around 4am than at other times, for this reason.

I always have more pain at night, too.