Waking up in the middle of the night, especially around 3 a.m., is frustrating and more common than you might think. Health expert Dave Asprey reveals that sudden blood sugar drops can cause stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to surge, jolting you awake.
These hormones release stored glucose to fix your blood sugar but also keep your body alert, making it hard to return to sleep. Normally, cortisol peaks in the morning and falls at night to allow rest, but if it stays high too long, it interrupts your natural sleep cycle.
To prevent these early wake-ups, Asprey recommends a light bedtime snack combining raw honey, collagen, and MCT oil. This combo provides quick, steady energy to avoid blood sugar crashes and keeps stress hormones balanced
Good sleep hygiene matters too. Invest in a quality mattress, block out light and noise, keep your room cool, avoid caffeine and alcohol late in the day, and limit screen use before bed. Relaxation methods like mindfulness and breathing exercises can ease your mind and help you fall asleep more easily.
By tackling blood sugar swings and improving your sleep environment, you stand a better chance of sleeping through the night without waking at 3 a.m.