Although it may seem unusual, waking up during the night can actually be a sign that your body needs a proper rest to stay productive the next day. Many people think that simply going to bed at the right time will guarantee a good night’s sleep, but they often find themselves waking up between 3 and 5 AM, which can be frustrating, especially if falling back asleep becomes a challenge.
However, waking up during this time is not just a random occurrence or bad luck—it actually has some significance.
The term “hour of the wolf,” coined by Swedish director Ingmar Bergman in his psychological horror film, is sometimes used to describe the early morning hours between 3:00 and 5:00 AM. According to Bergman, this period is when dreams are most vivid, sleep is deepest, and paranormal forces are said to be strongest. He even suggested that both deaths and births are more likely to occur during this time.
Professor Birgitta Steene explains that the “hour of the wolf” is based on Swedish folklore, where it’s believed that the body is in its deepest sleep during this time. It’s also said to be a period when the body undergoes physiological changes, such as a drop in temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism due to the circadian rhythm.
For those with anxiety or worry, however, this time can be amplified, leading to awakenings as emotions become more intense. This explains why waking up during this window might be tied to deeper emotions or unrest.
