Why do we wake up at 3am and worry about our fears?
Many people have reported feelings of intense worry over certain fears and failures in their lives. The odd thing is how relatable the specific timings of such thoughts are.
It’s horrible when you feel like you’ve just drifted off to sleep. Only to be jolted at 3 o’clock in the morning by none other than an avalanche of anxious thoughts. Namely, thinking about all your minute fears or perceived failure. Maybe even just a compilation reel of your most cringe-worthy moments. it seems that this bizarre phenomenon is far from uncommon.
Comedian Rhys Nicholson asked: “Is everyone else waking up at at about 3 or 4am every single morning to do a quick mental round up of all their fears for 45 minutes then falling back asleep?”
Putting all the questions to bed.
One psychology researcher with experience in sleep disorders explained exactly why the early hours of the morning haunt us with perpetual anxiety.
According to the expert, the reason why we wake up at 3am and worry about fears and failures is because of our body’s natural circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is a 24-hour cycle that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the brain controls and regulates the release of hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone.
The expert explains that cortisol levels are highest in the early morning. This is why we often wake up feeling anxious and stressed. The cortisol levels are also responsible for the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and shaking.
The expert also explains that the reason why we often think about our fears and failures at 3am is because our brain is more active during this time. The brain is more active during the early morning hours because it is preparing for the day ahead. The brain is processing information from the previous day and preparing for the challenges of the day ahead.
So, if you find yourself waking up at 3am and worrying about your fears and failures. Just know that you are not alone. Our body’s natural circadian rhythm causes this common phenomenon. The good news is that there are things you can do to help reduce your anxiety levels. Such as practicing relaxation techniques, getting regular exercise, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
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Header image: Photo by Camila Quintero Franco on Unsplash
Photo by Valentin Lacoste on Unsplash, Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash
