A core network entity includes a core network entity processing circuit. The core network entity processing circuit calculates a plurality of dormancy timer adjustment parameters in response to a received service request from a user equipment, and adjusts a dormancy timer for the user equipment based on (i) at least one load condition for the wireless network, and (ii) a comparison between each of the plurality of dormancy timer adjustment parameters and a corresponding one of a plurality of dormancy timer adjustment parameter threshold values. The core network entity then outputs the adjusted dormancy timer to a base station serving the user equipment.