Waking up at 3:00 a.m. every night can feel unsettling — and according to Dr. Eric Berg, it may be more than coincidence. The popular
health expert explains that repeatedly waking at the same hour often signals an imbalance in your body’s stress response, hormones, or nutrient levels.
Normally, the hormone cortisol — which regulates stress and energy — is at its lowest around 2–3 a.m., allowing for deep, restorative sleep.
But when stress, anxiety, or poor habits disrupt this rhythm, cortisol can spike too early, jolting you awake. Dr. Berg, who battled
insomnia for years, says factors like chronic stress, magnesium deficiency, and late-night screen use can all contribute.
Instead of medication, he recommends natural fixes:
Take magnesium glycinate before bed to help relax the nervous system.
Avoid screens, caffeine, and heavy meals in the hours before sleep.
Create a calm nighttime routine with reading or gentle stretching.
Experts, including the NHS, also stress the importance of winding down at least an hour before bedtime. If you continue waking
at the same hour nightly — especially with symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, or heart palpitations — consult a doctor.
That 3 a.m. awakening might not just be insomnia; it could be your body’s early warning system asking for balance and care.