Laughter as medicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies evaluating the impact of spontaneous laughter on cortisol levels

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated how spontaneous laughter affects cortisol levels, a key marker of stress. Analyzing eight studies involving 315 participants, researchers found that laughter interventions—such as watching comedy or laughter therapy—led to a significant average reduction in cortisol levels by 31.9%. Even a single laughter session reduced cortisol levels by 36.7%. The study highlights laughter’s potential to improve stress resilience by influencing the HPA axis, an important neuroendocrine system.

Integrate humor into your daily routine by watching comedy or engaging in laughter activities to reduce stress and promote relaxation. While this study shows strong evidence of laughter’s benefits, its findings are primarily based on small sample sizes and controlled settings. Broader research is needed to confirm its long-term effects and applicability to diverse populations.