A full night’s sleep is essential for feeling refreshed, yet many find themselves awake between 3:00am and 5:00am. This phenomenon, known as the “hour of the wolf,” isn’t random but holds deeper significance.
Swedish director Ingmar Bergman described it as “the hour between night and dawn… when most people die… when ghosts and demons are most powerful.” Professor Birgitta Steene links it to Swedish folklore, where both births and deaths are believed to increase during this time.
Folklore also calls it the witching hour, a period associated with supernatural activity. Scientifically, it’s when the body reaches its lowest physiological state—“body temperature, blood pressure, and metabolism hit their lowest points.”
For those with anxiety, this dip can intensify feelings of unease, making it harder to fall back asleep. Stress and the body’s natural rhythm combined may explain the distress many feel.
Whether viewed as mystical or biological, understanding this nocturnal wakefulness helps people see it’s more than mere bad luck—it’s a fascinating blend of ancient belief and science.
