Waking up between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. is common and not just bad luck. This period is often called the “hour of the wolf,” a term popularized by Swedish director Ingmar Bergman and rooted in folklore. It refers to the time between night and dawn, traditionally linked to deeper sleep, vivid dreams, and heightened emotions.
According to folklore, it’s also associated with increased reports of deaths, births, and even supernatural activity — sometimes called the “witching hour.”
From a scientific perspective, around 4:00 a.m. the body is in its deepest rest. Body temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism are at their lowest due to the circadian rhythm. For people with anxiety, however, this low point can intensify anxious thoughts, making it harder to stay asleep or fall back asleep.