Many assume going to bed at the right time guarantees a restful night, yet frequent wake-ups between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM are common. This period, known as the “hour of the wolf,” has deep psychological and physiological significance.

Popularized by filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, the term refers to the time when nightmares peak, anxiety intensifies, and supernatural folklore associates it with heightened spiritual activity. In Swedish tradition, it’s also linked to increased deaths and births.

Scientifically, the body’s circadian rhythm reaches its lowest energy point around 4:00 AM, with blood pressure and metabolism at their lowest. However, for those with anxiety, this phase can trigger wakefulness, making it harder to fall back asleep.