This test is a good indicator to look into things further.
I will be writing a series on adrenal fatigue next month. If you would like to sign up for my newsletter in one of the pink boxes to the right or bottom of this post, I will send the posts right to your inbox!
Here’s a great book that I recommend for more information and DIY treatment options: Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome by James L. Wilson, ND, DC, PhD.
Instead of spending hours upon hours looking up (sometimes questionable) information on the Internet, it covers the syndrome from soup to nuts.
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Pupilary Response Test for Adrenal Fatigue
Stand in front of a mirror in a darkened room (best done at night) for at least 15 seconds.
Look straight into the mirror without blinking.
Using your penlight or small flashlight, hold the light at eye level and by the side of your head pointing at your ear (see chart). About 8 inches away to avoid damaging the eye.
Slowly move the light around your head toward your nose, staying 8 inches away at all times.
Stop once the light is at a 45 degree angle to your retina. The light should NOT be pointing directly into your eye but should come in at an angle. hint: you shouldn’t feel like a deer in headlights.
Hold the light steady and count how long your pupil can hold the contraction, up to 20 seconds. Once it starts to ‘pulse’ or loses the contraction, the test is over.
Repeat on other eye.
0-4 seconds | Adrenal Exhaustion |
5-10 seconds | Adrenal Fatigue |
11-19 seconds | Adrenal Dysfunction |
20+ seconds | Optimal Adrenal Function