Reason you wake up at 3am in the 'witching hour' - and it's not because of the supernatural

If you've ever found yourself regularly waking up in the middle of the night, especially around the same time, there's a good reason for it.

Late at night , around 3 or 4 am, is often dubbed 'the witching hour' . Some believe that the veil between life and death is the thinnest at that time, allowing evil spirits to come through.

However, rather than some spooky force interrupting your sleep, it seems the culprit could be something far more ordinary - your bedtime.

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Engaging in activities like checking your phone or going to the toilet when you wake up during the night can disrupt your sleep routine, a habit you should consider breaking now. Regularly going to bed at the same time can cause your body to preemptively wake you at certain times, even before your alarm goes off.

It's as if your brain sets a pattern, such as sleeping at 10pm and waking at 3:30am. Once this pattern is recognised by your brain, it may continue to follow it - even if you don't want to wake up in the early hours.

This means that your awareness of the time you wake up can create a psychological expectation. If you find yourself waking up at 3 or 4 am for several consecutive nights, you might anticipate waking up at that exact time again.

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And just like that, your consistent bedtime is now contributing to your regular wake-ups.

To avoid unnecessary early awakenings, don't stay in bed for more than 20 minutes if you're struggling to fall asleep. Sleep experts warn that staying in bed while unable to sleep can exacerbate the issue, as you may begin to associate your bed with stress if you frequently have difficulty sleeping.

Instead, it's suggested to get up, move around, or switch rooms and partake in a calming activity, like reading a book. However, it's recommended to avoid using your phone, as it could make you feel more awake.

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