Waking up between about 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. is a surprisingly common phenomenon, often referred to as the “hour of the wolf.”  The term comes from Scandinavian folklore and was popularized by Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman to describe the hour “between night and dawn … when most people die, sleep is deepest, nightmares are most real.”

From a physiological perspective, this early‑morning window coincides with the body’s lowest circadian point: body temperature, blood pressure and metabolism drop, making the body especially vulnerable. For someone whose system is calm, this period supports deep restorative sleep. However, if someone is stressed or anxious, the same low point in the body’s rhythms can trigger wake‑ups or racing thoughts.

Emotionally and culturally, this time has been linked to intense introspection and even supernatural associations. Many cultures label the hours around 3–5 a.m. as the “witching hour” or “devil’s hour,” when fears, memories or anxieties may surface. For those who wake in this interval and cannot easily return to sleep, it may feel like an existential‑intense moment rather than just another wake‑up.

If this pattern becomes regular and disruptive, experts suggest attention to both lifestyle and psychological factors. Useful steps include reducing pre‑bed stress, maintaining consistent sleep times, limiting stimulants, and using relaxation techniques when you wake.  While waking at 3–5 a.m. doesn’t always signal a serious issue, when it recurs it can be a signal to review sleep habits, mental health and underlying physical conditions.