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Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Experts explain what it means if you wake up between 3am and 5am and when to worry
Waking up in the middle of the night can be frustrating, but experts say there are a number of reasons why it happens - and understanding them can help you get back to sleep Picture this, you're basking in blissful slumber when suddenly a mysterious jolt yanks you from your dreams. You glance at the clock and it's showing somewhere between 3 and 5am - way before your body's natural alarm was meant to sound. If this rings a bell, don't worry - you're certainly not alone in this frustrating experience, though it's hardly what anyone would call pleasant. This curious occurrence has been recorded throughout the ages, beginning with tales from Scandinavian legend. For those ancient Nordic peoples, those dark hours bridging night and morning were dubbed the "hour of the wolf" - the period "when most people die, sleep is deepest, and nightmares are most real," as captured in Ingmar Bergman's chilling 1968 psychological thriller bearing that very title, reports the Express. Various faiths also label this timeframe as the "devil's hour," believed to be when spirits and malevolent forces are at their most powerful, and otherworldly encounters most likely to occur. But there's absolutely no cause for panic - medical science provides a much more comforting answer. Our bodies operate on a circadian rhythm, an innate 24-hour pattern that controls sleep, hormonal activity, and other essential physical processes according to light and dark cycles. So what's behind these unwelcome pre-dawn awakenings? Medical professionals explain there isn't necessarily one single culprit, but recognising the most frequent offenders can help you get back to enjoying uninterrupted rest. Your sleep environment plays a huge role in whether you stay asleep. It might be obvious: Nighttime noises – from traffic outside to a buzzing phone or television in the next room – can easily jolt you awake. Even dim light sources, such as a streetlamp shining through a window or a nightlight, may be enough to disturb sleep. This is particularly true in the early hours of the morning when the body spends more time in lighter stages of sleep. As you progress through the night, deep and REM sleep give way to lighter sleep, leaving you more vulnerable to waking from environmental noise or light. Hormonal changes Menopause is another frequent culprit. Fluctuating hormone levels can lead to disrupted sleep, often accompanied by hot flashes, night sweats, and insomnia. And for some, these awakenings continue even after menopause, sometimes linked to ongoing hot flashes or an increased risk of conditions like sleep apnea. Sleep disorders Frequent early-morning wake-ups can also be a sign of a sleep disorder like: Insomnia: Difficulty staying asleep, especially if you remain awake for 30 minutes or more after waking, can indicate insomnia. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA): OSA causes pauses in breathing that jolt you awake, though some people may not even realise this is happening. Circadian rhythm disorders: When your body clock is misaligned with the natural day-night cycle, as with advanced sleep phase disorder, you may find yourself waking up unusually early. Nightmare disorder: Vivid, distressing dreams often occur in the early morning hours, leaving you wide awake and unable to easily fall back asleep. Stress, anxiety, or depression Stress is one of the most common disruptors of sleep. People with high 'sleep reactivity' – a tendency to experience poor sleep during stressful periods – are especially susceptible. Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and phobias, can worsen this pattern. Depression, too, has a strong link to disrupted sleep. Experts believe it alters the circadian rhythm, leading to irregular sleep-wake cycles that can cause awakenings in the early hours. Aging As we age, our circadian rhythms shift, making early-morning wake-ups more likely. Older adults also spend less time in deep sleep, increasing their sensitivity to disturbances. On average, it's normal for older people to wake up three to four times a night – often due to a combination of lighter sleep, nocturia, and chronic health issues. How to stay asleep If you're waking at 3am and struggling to drift back off, there are practical steps you can take: Get more daylight exposure, especially in the morning, to help regulate your circadian rhythm. Bright light therapy has been shown to benefit those with insomnia and circadian rhythm disorders. Exercise regularly – yoga, in particular, has been linked to less time spent awake in bed and faster recovery after awakenings. Avoid caffeine and alcohol late in the day, as both are linked to poor sleep and increased nighttime awakenings. Skip late-night meals, as eating close to bedtime can make you more likely to wake during the night Keep your bedroom dark and quiet, using blackout curtains, sleep masks, or earplugs if needed. While waking up in the early hours is common and often harmless, persistent disruptions can signal a deeper issue. If your sleep troubles are affecting your quality of life, or you suspect an underlying health problem, it may be time to seek medical advice.
Vogue
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue
The Best Movies of 2025 (So Far)
Now that we're halfway through the year—and what a long and addled year it has already been—the best movies of 2025 are just beginning to come into focus: a textured mix of festival favorites, underseen indies, box-office triumphs, and sneaky sleeper hits. How many have you seen—and which are you adding to your watchlist now, before the 2026 Oscar race kicks into high gear? Armand There was no doubt in my mind, heading into Armand, that Renate Reinsve was going to deliver: She was enchanting as a restless millennial in Joachim Trier's wry and exquisite 2021 film The Worst Person in the World. In the Scandi drama Armand, the debut film by writer-director Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel—the grandson of Ingmar Bergman and Liv Ullmann, though there are more flashes of Gaspar Noé here—we meet Reinsve as Elisabeth, a mother summoned to her young son Armand's primary school. In the dark, ominous classroom setting, as she hears the accusations that he sexually abused another child, Elisabeth descends into a fit of incredulous, bitter laughter. And she keeps going—it lasts five painful minutes. Each giggle hits like a shovel, excavating new levels of horror, knocking at the walls we put up around uncomfortable truths and societal values. An interrogation evolves into an emotional spiral that's hard to look away from. At first slow and elongated, then at grotesque, breakneck turns, Tøndel presents an intense psycho-drama, with slashes of surrealism and a striking, geometric visual language. He offers no easy answers, only the tools to keep digging into the murk of our own humanity long after the film ends. —Anna Cafolla Black Bag
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why you keep waking up between 3 and 5 AM: What it really means
Waking up between 3 and 5 AM and struggling to fall back asleep is more common than you think, and it might mean more than just poor sleep habits. According to sleep professionals and psychologists, this early morning wake-up window often signals deeper issues like stress, anxiety, or disrupted circadian rhythms. In fact, both science and ancient traditions suggest that the 3 to 5 AM period, sometimes called the 'hour of the wolf, is when your body is most vulnerable to emotional overload, hormonal changes, and subconscious restlessness. Here's what really causes these wake-ups, and how to stop them. What waking at 3 AM really means: The symbolism of the 'hour of the wolf' In Scandinavian folklore, this early morning window between night and dawn is often referred to as the 'hour of the wolf.' The term was famously popularised by Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman in his 1968 psychological horror film, where he described it as the hour 'when most people die, sleep is deepest, and nightmares are most real.' It's also the time when the sleepless are haunted by their worst thoughts and when ghosts and demons are believed to be most active. According to Nordic traditions, the hours before sunrise carry a unique psychological and spiritual intensity. They overlap with Western concepts like the 'witching hour' or 'devil's hour,' historically associated with heightened supernatural activity. While you may not believe in spirits or demons, there's no denying that waking at this hour can stir unsettling emotions, feelings of dread, racing thoughts, or a strange sense of isolation. Waking up between 3 and 5 AM: What science says about your body's low point Beyond the folklore, there's a scientific explanation for why these hours feel so heavy. Your body follows a circadian rhythm, a 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep, hormone levels, and core functions based on light and darkness. Between 3 and 5 AM, your circadian rhythm hits a low. Core body temperature drops, blood pressure is at its lowest, and your metabolism slows to conserve energy. This is meant to be your most restful, regenerative stage of sleep. However, if your body or mind is under stress, these natural dips can make you more susceptible to waking up, and staying awake. A small disturbance, like a noise, an anxious thought, or even a shift in blood sugar, can interrupt sleep. If your mind is already carrying emotional stress or mental overload, your body may respond with a stress response: increased heart rate, restlessness, and alertness, exactly what you don't want at 4 AM. Why stress and mental load makes you wake up between 3 and 5 AM In today's hyper-connected world, our minds rarely get the rest they need. We go to bed carrying the weight of endless notifications, deadlines, emails, social updates, and unfinished tasks. This mental load doesn't vanish when we close our eyes, it simply retreats into our subconscious. During the early morning hours, when our physical defences are at their weakest, these unresolved thoughts often resurface. You might find yourself wide awake, overthinking, replaying conversations, or worrying about the day ahead. Some psychologists believe this pattern of waking may be a subconscious alarm bell, signalling that your nervous system is under strain. It could indicate that your emotional needs are being neglected or that you're processing more than you realise. How to stop waking up between 3 and 5 AM: Practical ways to break the cycle If you're regularly waking up during this time window, consider adjusting your nighttime routine and managing daily stress more intentionally. Here are some helpful strategies: Journal before bed: Write down your worries or to-do list to clear mental clutter. Practice calming techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation can lower stress levels before sleep. Limit screen time: Reduce exposure to phones, laptops, and bright lights at least an hour before bedtime. Watch your stimulants: Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals in the late evening, as these can disrupt sleep patterns. Stick to a sleep schedule: Going to bed and waking up at consistent times helps stabilise your circadian rhythm. When waking between 3 and 5 AM signals a bigger issue If early morning awakenings persist for several weeks and start affecting your daily energy or mood, it's worth consulting a healthcare professional. Chronic 3–5 AM wake-ups may be linked to: Anxiety or mood disorders Hormonal fluctuations (especially in midlife) Sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea Depression or unresolved trauma Keeping a sleep journal can help you and your doctor identify patterns in your sleep, stress, and daily habits. Waking up between 3 and 5 AM isn't just a frustrating sleep glitch; it's often a window into your emotional state and physiological health. Whether you view it through the lens of ancient folklore or modern neuroscience, these early hours carry more meaning than we give them credit for. By understanding the possible causes and making mindful adjustments, you can reclaim your rest and wake up feeling more in control. Also Read: 5 Warning signs of ovarian cancer, PCOS, and thyroid trouble that women should not ignore
Telegraph
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Was Ingmar Bergman really a Nazi?
During his lifetime, and beyond, the film director Ingmar Bergman was widely believed to be a genius. Yet even geniuses have their flaws, and Bergman came festooned with his: allegations (put into the public domain by himself, before he thought better of it) that he raped a former partner of his; an embarrassing arrest for tax evasion and, most notoriously of all, the suggestion that he spent his youth as a fully paid-up Nazi supporter who bitterly mourned the death of Hitler. The last and most damaging story recently re-entered the public domain courtesy of the actor Stellan Skarsgård. While Skarsgård was attending the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic, where he was promoting Joachim Trier's acclaimed new film Sentimental Value, in which he plays a Bergman-esque director named Gustav Borg, he was asked about his own relationship with Bergman. (He had acted for him in the Eighties in a stage production of Strindberg's A Dream Play.) Skarsgård did not mince his words. 'Bergman was manipulative. He was a Nazi during the war and the only person I know who cried when Hitler died. We kept excusing him, but I have a feeling he had a very weird outlook on other people. [He thought] some people were not worthy. You felt it, when he was manipulating others. He wasn't nice.' Skarsgård acknowledged that Bergman was still capable of greatness as an artist, if not a human being. 'My complicated relationship with Bergman has to do with him not being a very nice guy,' he explained. 'He was a nice director, but you can still denounce a person as an a--hole. Caravaggio was probably an a--hole as well, but he did great paintings.' Skarsgård wasn't commenting on any fresh revelations, yet the actor's remarks have nevertheless caused something of a furore – not least because Bergman, who died in 2007, is widely regarded as one of the most significant and important film directors who ever lived. From his breakthrough in the 1950s with the films Smiles of a Summer Night and, especially, the seminal The Seventh Seal to such classics of cinema as Cries and Whispers, Fanny and Alexander, and Persona, Bergman became synonymous with challenging, always boundary-pushing cinema that appealed to audiences and his peers alike. Martin Scorsese said that 'it's impossible to overestimate the effect that Bergman's films had on people' and Stanley Kubrick wrote privately to the film-maker: 'Your vision of life has moved me deeply, much more deeply than I have ever been moved by any films. I believe you are the greatest film-maker at work today.' Woody Allen went further, however, not only by calling Bergman 'probably the greatest film artist, all things considered, since the invention of the motion picture camera', but by making several pictures, including Interiors and Another Woman, that were overt homages to the director. His 1982 film A Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy was a loose remake of Smiles of a Summer Night. Such was Allen's admiration for Bergman that, when he even glowingly reviewed his memoir for the New York Times in 1988, he did not even consider the revelation worth mentioning. 'The picture one gets,' he wrote, 'is of a highly emotional soul, not easily adaptable to life in this cold, cruel world.' However, his idol's party line was to admit to a youthful flirtation with fascism, something that was long since abandoned by the time that he became one of the world's best-respected film-makers. Bergman first saw Hitler when he was 16, on a school exchange trip to Germany in 1934, when he was taken along by his Hitler Youth-supporting host, Hannes, to the Weimar Republic. The impressed youth later described the dictator as 'unbelievably charismatic… he electrified the crowd.' Hannes's father, a clergyman, was sufficiently impressed by the Führer not only to festoon his house with images of him, but to give Bergman a picture of his idol as a gift on his 17th birthday, 'so that you will always have the man before your eyes'. When his young guest, anxious to fit in, asked at what point during the rally he should shout 'Heil Hitler', the pastor replied: 'That's considered more than mere courtesy, my dear Ingmar.' By Bergman's own admission, he was a 'pro-German fanatic' by the time that he returned home to Sweden, seduced and impressed by Hitler and all things National Socialist. Unfortunately, he found himself in simpatico company. His father Erik, who later inspired the film Fanny and Alexander, was an unrepentantly Right-wing figure who believed that Hitler was the answer to the world's problems. As Bergman told the writer Maria-Pia Boëthius in 1999 – she was questioning the truth behind Sweden's much-vaunted neutrality in the Second World War – 'The Nazism I had seen seemed fun and youthful. The big threat were the Bolsheviks, who were hated.' Although the director himself did not participate in any overt anti-Semitic actions, his brother Dag joined some friends to attack the house of a local Jewish man, covering the walls with swastika symbols. (Dag would later become a respected diplomat.) Bergman himself soon saw the consequences of his association in a small but chilling fashion. When he visited Germany, he befriended a local girl named Renata, and began a correspondence, only for this to come to an end when Renata and her family simply vanished one day. They were, of course, Jewish. Although Bergman spent some mandatory time in military service in Sweden, he did not fight in the war. If he had done so, it is likely that his loyalty would have been to Germany. Unlike Dag, however, he was never a member of the Swedish National Socialist Party, which his brother was responsible for founding and operating. Still, as he wrote in his 1987 memoir The Magic Lantern, 'for many years, I was on Hitler's side, delighted by his success and saddened by his defeats.' Yet the eventual awakening that he faced came shortly after the end of the war and the subsequent collapse of Hitler's regime. 'When the doors to the concentration camps were thrown open, at first I did not want to believe my eyes,' he would say. 'When the truth came out it was a hideous shock for me. In a brutal and violent way I was suddenly ripped of my innocence.' Those who have attempted to excuse Bergman's youthful folly have argued that, although Bergman did not fully repudiate Hitler and Nazism until 1946, when he came to an understanding of what he had been impressed by, it was a seismic shock to him that changed the course of his life and career. As he told his friend and producer Jörn Donner: 'My feelings were overwhelming and I felt great bitterness towards my father and my brother and the schoolteachers and everyone else who'd led me into it. But it was impossible to get rid of the guilt and the self-contempt.' Thereafter, many of his films and stage productions dealt explicitly with the evil caused by the Nazi regime, whether it's his English-language picture, 1977's The Serpent's Egg, which is set in 1932 Berlin, or his decision to stage Peter Weiss's The Investigation, about the Auschwitz trials, in Stockholm in 1966. Several of his most acclaimed pictures also looked, more obliquely, at themes of guilt and lack of communication brought on by conflict, including 1963's The Silence, which follows the journey of two sisters and was inspired by Bergman spending time in post-war Germany. Or 1968's Shame, in which a marriage, and an unnamed country, are both torn apart by civil war. It would be reading too much into these films to see them as a straightforward apologia for his earlier beliefs – which in any case were not common knowledge until the publication of his memoir – but there can be little doubt that they weighed upon him. It would also be a mistake to take Bergman's comments at face value. As Jane Magnusson, who made the documentary Bergman: A Year in the Life, said in 2019: 'The fact that he had sympathies with Hitler… he wanted to talk about them. And nobody else did. He was pretty much alone in Sweden when he came out in the 1980s and said, 'I went to Germany, I was in Weimar during the parade and I yelled 'Heil Hitler!' And I loved it.' 'It's horrible that he didn't reject Hitler before 1946. It is very late. That's a problem. But I don't think Bergman thought Hitler was a good idea because he hated Jews. Sweden was very afraid of Russia at that time and I think he just thought that it was better than what's going on with them.' It is also likely that Bergman never fully repudiated his youthful Right-wing views. The director Roy Andersson, who studied at the Swedish Film Institute Film School in the late Sixties, remarked that '[Bergman] was a so-called inspector of the film school that I attended, and each term we were called and we had to go to his office and he gave some advice, or even some threats, and he said, 'If you don't stop making Left-wing movies… If you continue with that you will never have the possibility to make features. I will influence the board to stop you'. Bergman often described the most traumatic event of his lifetime as being his 1976 arrest on income tax evasion charges. These were eventually dropped, but caused him to leave Sweden for Munich. From there, he continued his career, albeit to diminishing artistic returns. It would not be until he returned to Sweden in 1982 for Fanny and Alexander – an epic often considered Bergman's crowning achievement – that he would make another truly acclaimed film.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Famous birthdays for July 14: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Darby Camp
July 14 (UPI) -- Those born on this date are under the sign of Cancer. They include: -- Artist Alphonse Mucha in 1860 -- Suffragist Emmeline Pankhurst in 1858 -- Artist Gustav Klimt in 1862 -- Cartoonist William Hanna in 1910 -- Musician Woody Guthrie in 1912 -- Gerald Ford, 38th president of the United States, in 1913 -- Filmmaker Ingmar Bergman in 1918 -- Actor Harry Dean Stanton in 1926 -- TV news commentator John Chancellor in 1927 -- Former NFL player/actor Rosey Grier in 1932 (age 93) -- Musician Lady Bo in 1940 -- Evangelist Franklin Graham in 1952 (age 73) -- Actor/filmmaker Eric Laneuville in 1952 (age 73) -- Film producer Joel Silver in 1952 (age 73) -- Actor Jane Lynch in 1960 (age 65) -- Actor Matthew Fox in 1966 (age 59) -- Musician Ellen Reid (Crash Test Dummies) in 1966 (age 59) -- Musician/TV personality Tameka Cottle, known professionally as Tiny, (Xscape) in 1975 (age 50) -- Musician Taboo (Black Eyed Peas) in 1975 (age 50) -- Musician Jamey Johnson in 1975 (age 50) -- Princess Victoria of Sweden in 1977 (age 48) -- Actor Scott Porter in 1979 (age 46) -- Actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge in 1985 (age 40) -- Dancer Peta Murgatroyd in 1986 (age 39) -- Musician Dan Smith (Bastille) in 1086 (age 39) -- Musician Dan Reynolds (Imagine Dragons) in 1987 (age 38) -- MMA fighter Conor McGregor in 1988 (age 37) -- Musician Bibi Bourelly in 1994 (age 31) -- Actor Darby Camp in 2007 (age 18)
