Sleeping through the night without waking up is rare but necessary for full productivity the next day. Many people believe that going to bed at the right time guarantees a good night’s sleep, only to wake up between 3:00am and 5:00am. This early waking period often leads to difficulty falling back asleep and can cause disruptions to one’s rest. Interestingly, the hours between 3:00am and 5:00am are commonly referred to as the “hour of the wolf,” a term derived from Swedish folklore and popularized by director Ingmar Bergman. This time is associated with deep sleep, intense nightmares, and heightened feelings of anxiety.
The “hour of the wolf” is significant for its connection to both supernatural occurrences and the body’s natural rhythms. It is believed to be a time of heightened vulnerability, with feelings of fear or anxiety often at their peak for those who wake up during this window. During this period, the body’s circadian rhythm causes its physiological processes, such as body temperature and blood pressure, to reach their lowest points. This deep rest state can exacerbate feelings of anxiety for some, explaining why many people experience difficulty returning to sleep at this time.