Khaberni - A sleep medicine specialist psychiatrist revealed reasons that may explain why some people wake up at early hours of the night, especially at 3 AM, noting that the issue is generally related to the natural biological rhythm of the body.
Dr. Michael J. Breus, known as "the sleep doctor," explained that the body's core temperature changes throughout the night; it begins to decline after about 10:30 PM, which stimulates the secretion of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep cycle.
He added that this decline continues gradually until it reaches its lowest level between 1 and 3 AM, at which point the body begins to naturally raise its temperature to maintain its balance, which may cause some individuals to wake up during this phase.
He pointed out that waking up at this time is not a problem in itself, as most people are able to return to sleep automatically without realizing. However, repeated awakenings with difficulty returning to sleep may indicate a sleep disorder known as insomnia.
According to medical guidelines, insomnia involves persistent difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep, and may be related to several factors, including stress, noise, an unsuitable sleeping environment, or some unhealthy daily habits.
Health authorities recommend adults to get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily, with the need to pay attention to sleep quality and lifestyle in case of persistent tiredness.
Some of the top tips for improving sleep include maintaining a quiet and dark environment, avoiding caffeine before bed, sticking to a regular sleep routine, and possibly turning to cognitive behavioral therapy in chronic cases.
