Waking Up at 3am: Why It Happens and How to Get Back to Sleep
Waking up at 3am is common and usually has an ordinary explanation. Here's why the small hours are so easy to wake in, and what helps you drift back off.
Waking at Night
Brief wakings are a normal part of sleep. The problem starts when a wake-up turns into an hour of staring at the ceiling. These guides explain what is going on when you wake in the night, when it is worth speaking to a GP, and the calm, practical steps that make it easier to drift back off.
9 guides
Start here
Can't Get Back to Sleep? What to Do When You Wake in the Night
Woke up and can't get back to sleep? A calm, step-by-step approach for the next hour: what to avoid, what to do in bed, when to get up and how to return.
Waking Up in the Middle of the Night: Causes and What to Do
Waking up in the middle of the night is normal; staying awake is the problem. A checklist of causes, from noise and heat to stress and apnoea, and what helps.
Should You Get Up If You Can't Sleep? The 20-Minute Rule Explained
Should I get up if I can't sleep, or stay in bed? The 20-minute rule from CBT-I says get up. Here's the reasoning, the exceptions and what to do while up.
In-depth guides
Are You a Light Sleeper? How to Stop Waking at Every Noise
A light sleeper wakes at every creak and car door. Here's what being a light sleeper actually means, why some people wake more easily, and what genuinely helps.
Waking Up Too Early and Can't Get Back to Sleep
Waking up too early, at 4am or 5am, and lying there until the alarm? The usual causes are body clock timing, light, age and mood. Here's what helps with each.
Quick reads and specific questions
Waking Up With Anxiety in the Night: Why It Happens and How to Settle
Waking up with anxiety, a racing heart or a sense of dread in the night is frightening but common. Here's what is happening in your body and how to settle.
Waking Up Hot at Night: Common Causes and How to Stay Cooler
Waking up hot at night, sweating or throwing the duvet off? The usual causes are the room, bedding, alcohol and timing. How to stay cooler and when to see a GP.
Why Do I Wake Up at the Same Time Every Night?
Waking at the same time every night, often 2am or 3am, feels significant. It usually comes down to sleep cycles, learned habit and the clock. Here's what helps.