Why You Keep Waking Up at 3 AM (and How to Stop It)
Waking up at 3 AM and not being able to fall back asleep is frustrating — and you’re not alone.
While it’s normal to wake briefly during the night due to natural sleep cycles, staying awake is a sign something might be off.
Sleep happens in cycles: light sleep, deep sleep, and REM (where most dreams occur). We tend to have more deep
sleep earlier in the night and more REM closer to morning. Waking during these cycles is common
— but if you’re consistently waking and can’t fall back asleep, it’s time to investigate.
Possible causes include:
Stress or anxiety
Sleep disorders like sleep apnea
Poor sleep habits
Diet or alcohol consumption
Medical issues or medication side effects
Understanding your personal cause is the first step toward getting more restful, uninterrupted sleep.
