Sleeping through the night is essential for feeling refreshed, yet many wake up between 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM and struggle to fall back asleep. This period, called the “hour of the wolf,” was popularized by Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman and is when sleep is deepest, nightmares are vivid, and deaths are more frequent.
Swedish folklore links this time to both births and deaths. Physiologically, the body reaches its lowest state, with reduced temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism. This natural slowdown aligns with the circadian rhythm but can heighten anxiety, making it harder to stay asleep.
Many cultures call this the “witching hour,” believing it is a time of supernatural activity. Whether due to science or superstition, waking up at this hour can be unsettling.
