Frequent waking between 2am and 3am may be a sign of underlying health problems, according to fresh guidance from Alderberry Care. The live-in care provider warns that regularly stirring at these times could indicate that something in the body requires attention, and urges people to consult a GP if the pattern persists.
Dr Eric Berg, an online health content creator, highlighted that the stress hormone cortisol should be low during the night to allow deep sleep and REM. He explained that a rise in cortisol around 2am can send a wake-up signal, disrupting sleep and leaving individuals fully awake with a racing heartbeat or overactive mind.
Alderberry Care noted that many elderly patients who wake around 2am feel drained and less steady the next day. A spokesperson said: 'We never treat it as just normal. We look for simple fixes and signs that mean a GP should be involved.'
NHS guidance states that insomnia is not always permanent and can improve with positive changes to sleeping habits. However, if trouble sleeping persists for months or affects daily life, a GP should be consulted. Adults typically need seven to nine hours of sleep per night to stay healthy.
