Waking up at 3 or 4 AM is surprisingly common, and several factors could be behind this nightly disturbance.
Natural Sleep Cycles: Sleep occurs in stages, and we transition between deep sleep and lighter REM (rapid eye movement) sleep several times a night.
Around 3 or 4 AM, many people enter a lighter sleep stage, making it easier to wake up due to minor disturbances.
Stress and Anxiety: High stress or racing thoughts can spike cortisol levels, the stress hormone, which often peaks in the early morning hours. This can cause you to wake up unexpectedly
Blood Sugar Levels: Low blood sugar at night can signal the body to release stress hormones like adrenaline, which can jolt you awake.
Lifestyle Factors: Late-night caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals can disrupt your sleep patterns, making you prone to early morning awakenings.
Spiritual or Evolutionary Theories: Some believe waking up during these hours might be linked to spiritual reflection or ancestral survival instincts, where humans remained alert to predators.