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News Topical, Digital Desk : Has it ever happened to you that you're fast asleep and suddenly wake up? You check your watch or phone and it's 3 or 3:30 in the morning.
It's not just you. Millions of people around the world wake up at this exact time. Many associate it with ghosts or fear, while others consider it a divine sign. But Dr. Aamir Khan has a very logical answer. Let's find out why our brains wake us up at this time of night.
The body's clock and cortisol play a role
Between 2 and 4 a.m., our bodies are in a very specific stage of the sleep cycle. At this time, the body naturally releases a stress hormone called cortisol to prepare for the morning awakening . This is normal, but if you're already stressed, anxious, or very tired, this small change in hormones can be enough to wake you up completely.
Increased blood sugar and heart rate
During the night, especially in the early hours of the morning, our blood sugar levels can drop slightly. If you've consumed alcohol, eaten too late, or are constantly stressed, these levels can drop even further. To compensate, the body releases adrenaline, the same chemical that alerts us to danger. This can cause you to wake up suddenly, your heart rate may increase, and you may feel instantly alert.
The silence at 3 a.m. and our brains
At 3 a.m., there are no emails, no noise, and no distractions. It's just you and your thoughts. Our brains are even more sensitive during this time. Lack of sleep makes the part of the brain that processes fear (called the amygdala) more active. This is why a worry that seems small at 3 p.m. can seem as monstrous and terrifying at 3 a.m.
effect of hormonal changes
Hormones, especially estrogen, fluctuate during perimenopause and menopause in women. This affects body temperature and sleep consistency. This is why many women complain of waking up early in the morning. The more anxious you are about waking up, the less likely you are to fall asleep.
What is the solution to this?
First, it's important to understand that waking up briefly during the night is normal. We all go through cycles of light sleep every 90 minutes. The problem isn't waking up, it's the anxiety about waking up.
To combat this, avoid clock-watching and stay away from phone screens. Keep your evenings quiet and limit your alcohol intake. If you wake up, just take deep, slow breaths. Remember, if you're waking up at 3 a.m., it doesn't mean there's something wrong with you; it's just your body doing its job. Dr. Aamir says we just need a little understanding and support.
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