Historically, the hours just before dawn have been referenced in folklore and literature as a time of heightened emotional sensitivity and introspection. In Sweden, for example, the period is referred to as “the hour of the wolf,” a phrase used to describe the quiet, often unsettling time when the night is at its darkest. While these cultural references are poetic rather than literal, they reflect an intuitive understanding that the early-morning hours can feel different from the rest of the night. Some people experience vivid dreams or sudden awakenings during this time simply because the body is entering or leaving the deepest stages of sleep.
From a scientific standpoint, the explanation is more grounded. Between roughly 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., the body reaches its lowest physiological point due to natural circadian rhythms. Body temperature decreases, metabolism slows, blood pressure drops, and hormone levels shift as the body moves into its most restorative phase. Because the body is in such a vulnerable state, even small triggers—such as stress, dehydration, noise, or fluctuations in blood sugar—can cause someone to wake up. For individuals who are dealing with anxiety or emotional strain, this period can feel particularly intense, as the mind is more sensitive when the body’s energy levels are at their lowest. This is why waking at this time sometimes comes with racing thoughts or feelings of restlessness. Continue reading…
