Overview

• Health educator Dr Eric Berg says a cortisol rise during deep sleep around 2am can send a wake-up signal that interrupts rest.
• Alderberry Care warns that waking at the same time most nights may indicate something in the body needs attention from a GP.
• Reports describe spikes in heart rate, slight increases in blood sugar and heightened alertness when cortisol surges at night.
• Carers say many older patients who wake in the early hours feel drained and less steady the following day.
• Alderberry Care promotes first-line steps such as daytime activity, a consistent routine, a calming evening, avoiding late stimulants and limiting screens.