We present a protocol used to discover an interactive effect between sleep and cortisol on memory consolidation, particularly for negative arousing images. Specifically, the experimental design utilizes eye tracking, salivary cortisol analysis, and behavioral memory testing – methods that can be used with both healthy and clinical participants.
Bennion, K. A., Mickley Steinmetz, K. R., Kensinger, E. A., Payne, J. D. Eye Tracking, Cortisol, and a Sleep vs. Wake Consolidation Delay: Combining Methods to Uncover an Interactive Effect of Sleep and Cortisol on Memory. J. Vis. Exp. (88), e51500, doi:10.3791/51500 (2014).