This unsettling period, often called the “hour of the wolf,” is steeped in folklore and physiological reality. Historically, it marks the threshold between night and dawn—a time when the boundary between worlds feels thin and the mind is most vulnerable. Physiologically, the body slows to its lowest state: heart rate, temperature, and metabolism all dip, creating an environment ripe for disrupted sleep and amplified emotions, especially anxiety.
For many, this early morning restlessness is more than a mere inconvenience; it is a profound, often spiritual, experience. The eerie quiet and intensified feelings can provoke a deep sense of isolation or foreboding. Whether shaped by ancient tales or our biology, this hour challenges us every night, leaving us to wonder what truly awakens in the witching hour.