Sleeping through the night is essential for feeling refreshed, yet many wake up between 3:00 and 5:00 AM and struggle to fall back asleep. This pattern has both historical and physiological significance. Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman called this period the “hour of the wolf,” when sleep is deepest, nightmares feel real, and many births and deaths occur. Swedish folklore and other cultures also associate this time with supernatural activity, often calling it the “witching hour.” Physiologically, the body reaches its lowest state—core temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism slow as part of the circadian rhythm. For those prone to anxiety, this phase can heighten negative emotions, making it harder to stay asleep
