Why You Keep Waking Up Between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.

discomfort. Arthritis or Chronic Pain: Discomfort can become more noticeable when you’re still for long periods. 5. Hormonal Shifts Menopause: For women, night sweats and hot flashes are a common cause of nighttime waking. Aging: As we get older, sleep naturally becomes lighter and more fragmented. Sleep Apnea: Breathing pauses can cause you to wake up gasping or choking.