Waking Up at 3 AM: What Does it Mean?

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The universe is trying to tell you something, and it’s definitely good

Co-authored by Misia Welters and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: May 21, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Spiritual Meanings
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• Spiritual Significance
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• What to Do
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You sit upright in bed, eyes wide open. You look over at the clock—it’s only 3 AM! Why on earth have you woken up, and better yet, why do you feel so alert? Believe it or not, this early morning hour is among the most sacred spiritual hours. But what does waking up at 3 AM mean exactly, why is it so significant, and what should you do about it? Keep reading to find out.

Spiritual Meanings of Waking Up at 3 AM

Meditation coach Misia Welters believes 3 AM is one of the best times to meditate and open up to your spiritual guides. It’s a spiritual sign from your guardian angel that a positive change, opportunity, or new beginning is coming your way. The exact time you wake up could be a specific message from an angel.

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Section 1 of 5:

Waking Up at 3 AM Spiritual Meanings

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   Your spirit is learning and growing. Waking up at 3 AM without cause is usually a tell-tale sign of a spiritual awakening. You may be undergoing an important change, and waking at 3 AM could indicate that your soul is on a journey—you’re on the right path.

   • Use this physical awakening as a reminder to care for your mind, body, and spirit. Spend time in nature, journal, or meditate.
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   A loved one is sending you a heartfelt message. Many believe that waking at a specific time each night could be a way for angels to connect with the living. The angel number 3 symbolizes love, and waking up at 3:13 AM or 3:33 AM may be a sign an angel is near.

   • If you wake at 3:13, your angels are encouraging you to let go of fear and be courageous.
   • If you wake at 3:23, your angels want you to connect with an old friend.
   • If you wake at 3:33, a new and exciting opportunity is coming your way.
   • If you wake at 3:43, happiness is just around the corner.
   • If you wake at 3:53, your angels are pushing you to worry less about what people think—do what makes you happy!
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   You’ve returned from the astral plane. The astral plane is said to be a state of existence beyond the physical world. Think of it as a space between heaven and earth. Astral projection is often linked with REM sleep (the deepest stage of sleep when you dream), which typically happens in the early morning hours. You’re most likely to return to your body from exploring the astral plane at 3 AM, causing you to wake with a jolt.

   • Many call this an “out-of-body experience,” when your soul and mind leave your physical form, and you may not remember it when you wake up.
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   Biblically, waking at 3 o’clock is a good omen. The number 3 appears more than any other number in the Bible, which is believed to represent harmony, new beginnings, and wholeness. So, if you wake up at 3 AM without reason, take this as a positive sign! Your spirit is aligning with a greater power, and something big is coming your way—the angels are keeping a watchful eye on you.
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   In Chinese medicine, waking up at 3 AM is a sign of illness. The Chinese pay close attention to dates, times, and locations in their traditional practices. According to ancient tradition and lore, each organ has a 2-hour activity period per day, and the lungs and liver inhabit the 3 AM slot. Waking up suddenly at 3 AM may indicate that your lungs or liver are irritated.

   • Did you wake up with a cough or aching chest? This could indicate a cold, lung infection, or allergies.
   • Do you have stomach pain or itchy skin? Perhaps there’s something amiss with your liver.
   • Keep in mind that this diagnosis practice is all circumstantial and relies on superstition. Contact a doctor if you suspect anything is wrong with your health.
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Section 2 of 5:

Spiritual Significance of 3 AM

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   The Witching Hour is between 3 and 4 AM. At this time of night, your spiritual senses might be heightened. Supernatural beings, ghosts, demons, and angels are said to be the most active, leading to abnormal activity and events. Some believe this is the best time to meditate, pray, or cast a spell because the earth’s magic is abundant.

   • You may feel a sense of urgency when you wake up between 3 and 4 AM, especially if it’s not normal for you. This is because the spirits have woken you.
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   The Law of Attraction says you’re closest to your love at 3 AM. You and your true love’s souls may be the most connected when the spirit and physical worlds merge during the Witching Hour. If you suddenly wake up at 3 AM, chances are your twin flame, soulmate, or significant other has woken up too.

   • You don’t necessarily have to be in a relationship for this to happen. Who knows? Your future partner may be waking up just as confused as you are!
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Section 3 of 5:

What to Do When You Wake Up at 3 AM

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   Meditate 3 AM is the perfect time to let your thoughts come and go naturally. When you wake, sit up tall or lean back on your pillow and close your eyes. Focus on your inhales and exhales, allowing each thought to come and go as it pleases. Notice what pops up, as this could be a message from an angel.

   • For instance, perhaps you think about a family member without instigating the thought. This may be a sign to give them a quick text or call.
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   Pray Take this sudden wake-up call as a sign to pray. Perhaps God, your guardian angel, or another divine entity has woken you to chat. Close your eyes and speak positivity into the universe. What you pray about doesn’t matter. Focus on whatever comes to mind—the spirits will guide you.
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   Visualize your future Use 3 AM as an opportunity to manifest and put your wishes out into the universe. This is thought to be the most magical hour, so take advantage of it! Think about what you want to gain. Imagine your ideal life. What steps can you take to get there? Visualize what you seek, and it may just come to fruition.

   • For example, say you want to ace your next math exam. Close your eyes and imagine holding the graded test in your hand. Visualize the giant “A+” written in the top right-hand corner. Feel the surge of relief wash over you with the realization that all your hard work finally paid off.
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   Be positive Being woken by the spirits can be a bit frustrating, especially if you need the extra zzzs. However, try your best not to get upset with them—they’re just trying to help, after all. Waking up at 3 AM is a good omen, so be positive; the universe is aligning in your favor.

   • Reframe negative thoughts like, “Ugh! I hate waking up this early!” to something like, “Well, this is unfortunate. But at least I know my angels are here beside me.”
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   Go back to sleep Finally, the easiest thing you can do when you’re woken at 3 AM is to go back to sleep. No, the angels won’t get mad at you. You're good to go as long as you acknowledge their message and/or make a mental note to focus on your spiritual journey in the morning.
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Section 4 of 5:

Can stress wake you up at night?

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1. 
   Yes, waking up at 3 AM could be a sign that you’re stressed or anxious. The leading causes of waking up at 3 AM are depression and anxiety, so if that sounds like it might be you, it might be worth looking into. Perhaps you’re experiencing sleep insomnia (the inability to fall and stay asleep), or anxious midnight thoughts are pulling you from slumber. Many believe that the spirit world is closest to the physical world at 3 AM, amplifying the energies around you. Because of this, normal feelings of stress, grief, or worry can amplify and cause you to wake from even the deepest slumber.

   • If you wake up feeling anxious, ease your mind by taking a calming deep breath in and out. Focus on what you can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch to bring yourself back to the present moment.
   • Consider talking to a therapist or counselor if you’re struggling to sleep. Online resources like BetterHelp and TalkSpace can help you find care without leaving home.

Section 5 of 5:

Why do I wake up at the same time each night?

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   Spiritually, waking at the same time could be a message from an angel. If you keep waking up at 3 AM every night without fail, it may be because your angels have something they’re desperately trying to tell you. 3 AM is a good omen, so their message is likely positive and lighthearted, but they may keep nudging you until you acknowledge it.

   • Acknowledge your angel’s message by praying, meditating, or working on your spiritual practice.
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   Scientifically, you get up at the same time because of circadian rhythm. Your circadian rhythm is your internal clock, prompting you to sleep and wake throughout the day and night. This clock governs your sleep routine, and waking up at the same time each night may occur if your sleep patterns are naturally shorter.

   • Fix your sleeping schedule by adjusting your sleeping habits. Avoid big meals right before bed, exercise throughout the day, and skip your midday nap.
   • Talk to your doctor if you experience anxiety, depression, or insomnia. While waking up at the same time each night is normal, experiencing these symptoms isn't.
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• Question

  What can you do from a spiritual perspective if you wake up at 3am?

  

  Mari Cartagenova
  Psychic Medium & Animal Communicator

  Mari Cartagenova is a Psychic Medium & Animal Communicator based in Westford, Massachusetts. Mari has been seeing and speaking to Spirits since she was a child, and she loves to share her psychic gifts and abilities to help others. She specializes in mediumship, intuitive psychic guidance, past life or soul reading, and animal communication. Mari is the 2019 Award-Winning Best American Psychic and a Certified Advanced Spirit Worker.

  

  Mari Cartagenova

  Psychic Medium & Animal Communicator

  Expert Answer

  When you wake up at 3am, use it as a time to meditate, pray, or visualize your intentions. Since it is thought to be a spiritually significant time, focus on spiritual growth, manifestations, or see if any guidance comes to mind from beyond. Don't get frustrated, just acknowledge the message.

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