Sleeping uninterrupted is key to feeling rested, yet many people find themselves waking up between 3:00 and 5:00 AM, struggling to fall back asleep. This phenomenon isn’t random—it has both historical and physiological roots.
Often called the “hour of the wolf,” a term popularized by filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, this time of night is linked to deep sleep, vivid nightmares, and even an increased occurrence of births and deaths in Swedish folklore. Some cultures also associate it with supernatural activity, calling it the “witching hour.”
Physiologically, the body reaches its lowest state during these early hours—core temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism drop as part of the circadian rhythm. For those prone to anxiety, this phase can heighten negative emotions, making it even harder to stay asleep. Whether due to biology or folklore, waking up at this time can feel eerie, especially for those with restless minds.
