Sleeping through the night is crucial for feeling refreshed, yet many wake up between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM and struggle to fall back asleep. This is not random but has historical and physiological significance.
This period, sometimes called the “hour of the wolf,” was described by filmmaker Ingmar Bergman as the time when sleep is deepest, nightmares feel real, and deaths are common. Swedish folklore also links it to increased births and deaths.
Physiologically, the body reaches its lowest state—core temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism slow as part of the circadian rhythm. For those with anxiety, this phase can intensify negative emotions, making it harder to stay asleep.
Many cultures associate these hours with supernatural activity, often calling it the “witching hour.” The unsettling nature of this time may stem from both folklore and biological processes.
